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

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

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

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

Let’s explore the schools that made the list!

1) University of Alabama

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

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

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

2) Clemson University

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

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

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

3) University of Massachusetts-Lowell

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

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

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

4) University of Arkansas at Little Rock

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

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

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

5) University of Wisconsin-Madison

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

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

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

6) Liberty University

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

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

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

7) University of Southern Mississippi

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

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

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

8) Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

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

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

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

9) George Washington University

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

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

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

10) Georgia Southern University

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

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

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

11) Ball State University

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

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

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

12) University of North Dakota

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

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

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

13) University of Massachusetts-Amherst

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

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

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

14) Texas A&M University

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

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

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

15) University of North Carolina at Charlotte

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

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

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

16) Drexel University

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

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

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

17) Old Dominion University

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

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

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

18) Western Carolina University

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

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

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

19) Fort Hays State University

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

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

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

20) Webster University

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

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

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

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

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:

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

What Degree Do I Need to Be an Intelligence Analyst?

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

1.) Brigham Young University-Idaho

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

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

• Program Website

2.) California State University- East Bay

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

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

• Program Website

3.) Arizona State University

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

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

• Program Website

4.) Washington State University

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

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

• Program Website

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

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

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

• Program Website

6.) Colorado State University-Fort Collins

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

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

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7.) University of Arizona

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

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

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8.) University of Texas of the Permian Basin

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

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

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9.) Utah State University

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

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

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10.) University of Alabama

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

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

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11.) Stephen F. Austin State University

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

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

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12.) University of Wisconsin-Stout

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

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

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13.) Concordia University- Saint Paul

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

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

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14.) Oregon State University

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

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

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15.) American Public University

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

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

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16.) Eastern Kentucky University

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

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

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17.) Kansas State University

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

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

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18.) North Dakota State University

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

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

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19.) Amridge University

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

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

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20.) Southern New Hampshire University

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

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

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Biochemistry is the science of life. All our life processes – walking, talking, moving, feeding – are essentially chemical reactions. So biochemistry is actually the chemistry of life, and it’s supremely interesting. – Aaron Ciechanover

Chemistry is the science of energy, matter, and how they interact. It is compelling, universal, and constantly omnipresent in our lives, whether we acknowledge it or not.

Besides being a fascinating, challenging discipline, studying chemistry will let you understand all that silently governs the world around us. Energy and matter’s combinations, conflicts and reactions control, maintain and structure what we see and experience, as well as all that we can’t. But when you study chemistry, you can explore and comprehend what was previously unknowable, and begin to take control of processes that generally act upon us instead of at our behest.

In science, chemistry is seen as a bridge between biology and physics. It’s known for facilitating understanding of the world at a fundamental level. You need chemistry to understand how plants and animals consume and process energy, which is essential to botany and biology. You also need it to explore the way rocks are formed, or how the ozone came to be, and the factors degrading it. In medicine, forensics, astrophysics, you name it, chemistry is the way we describe and explain the world around us.

We take discoveries like the periodic table, electrons, and the inner workings of oxygen for granted, but think about how remarkable those findings were, especially considering they were uncovered in the 1700s and 1800s. Imagine defining and identifying unseen aspects of the world that few had even imagined or attempted to describe. That’s what chemists do.

Chemistry hasn’t only shown us the nature of the world we live in, and it’s helped us tap into parts of ourselves that may have remained dormant forever without intervention.

Like many breakthroughs in chemistry LSD was created accidentally. In 1938 Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman was researching ergot, a deadly fungus that could be used to constrict blood vessels and aid childbirth when administered in small doses. During his work, Hoffman and his colleagues accidentally synthesized LSD. They didn’t even realize its hallucinogenic properties until five years later. Since then the drug has had a profound impact on our culture, and many people credit it for changing the way they perceive themselves, others, and the world.

And of course, chemists have saved countless lives through their work with vaccines. In the 17th and 18th centuries, smallpox was killing massive swaths of the European population. It wasn’t until Lady Mary Wortley Montagu adopted the Turkish technique of inoculation on her own son, and brought the practice back to England that the disease began to be defeated. Eventually, Edward Jenner invented the smallpox vaccine in 1796, marking the first time a successful vaccine was created. He used inoculation to do so, and smallpox has since been eradicated.

These are just a few of the things chemists have done over the years that changed humanity, and the world itself.

You can be a part of these discoveries, critical research, and life-changing work by earning a degree in chemistry. It won’t be a painless path, but it can be an extremely rewarding one. However, it begins with finding the right chemistry degree for you, which can be a daunting process. That’s why we’re here to help.

In this sprawling resource we’ll look at the different levels of chemistry degrees, going over different focus areas in the field, look at the work we’ve created at Degree Query to help you find the right chemistry degree for you, and we’ll try to help you determine whether chemistry is the right fit for you or not.

While reading this, please ask yourself and consider the following:

• What are your short and longterm career goals, and how can a chemistry degree in turning them from goals into realities?
• Chemistry is a broad field with many applications, so don’t beat yourself up if you don’t know exactly what you want to do in it yet, however, having a general idea will be helpful in your degree search.
• What degree level have you achieved thus far in your higher education? What job would you like in chemistry, and what degree level is necessary to be qualified for it?
• Entry-level chemistry positions often require a Bachelor’s degree, but candidates with graduate or doctoral degrees are extremely coveted, especially for highly competitive or supervisory roles.
• How much can you pay in tuition and the other associated costs for a specific chemistry degree, and how much would you have to take out in loans in order to pay for one?
• There are many costs that can come with earning a chemistry degree. Factors governing these include the school you choose and its prices, the delivery formats you select, scholarships, and loans you might qualify for, along with many other contributing elements.
• Whenever possible, try to choose a school you can afford instead of borrowing money. For many people, this isn’t possible, so if you need to borrow money to afford a degree, do your best to find public loans instead of private ones. You should also strive to pick programs from schools that are more affordable, accredited, and non-profit over expensive, for-profit options.
• Try to calculate approximately how much an investment in school would cost through all of its components, and how much return on investment you can expect in the 5-10 years after you graduate from it.
• How much time are you able to devote to a specific chemistry degree daily, weekly, and in total before you graduate from it? Different chemistry degree programs offer their classes through many different formats.
• These might include full-time, part-time, online, on-campus, or through a hybrid of online and traditional on-campus instruction.
• Where do you want to live and work after earning your chemistry degree? Different states, cities, and industries have higher or lower demands for chemists.
• What is your career and educational background thus far? How can a chemistry degree program you’re looking at reinforce your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses?
• What are the available specializations in chemistry degrees? How can a focus or specialization in the field help you achieve your educational and career goals?

This is just a light smattering of the questions and considerations you should explore while searching for a chemistry degree (or any other degree program). Whenever you’re searching for a degree, it’s very helpful to write out any other desires, needs, questions, considerations, and anything else that will impact the schools you can and want to get into. You need to determine what you want from a chemistry program, and whether one is fulfilling those needs.

Now let’s look at some of the things that make chemists successful. Please consider if these apply to you and if they don’t, whether you want to work towards them. Is chemistry right for you? Only you can determine that for sure, but this can help:

What are the Qualities and Attributes that Make Chemists Successful?

• Willingness to Continue Your Education: While you can work as a successful chemist after earning a Bachelor’s, those who continue to earn advanced degrees will see far more success and more importantly, gain a much better understanding of the field.
• Open-mindedness: Many major discoveries in chemistry happened because of someone’s curiosity or refusal to take conventional wisdom as empirical truth. New discoveries are happening all the time that can dramatically change what we take for granted, and good chemists embrace this intrinsically.
• Flexibility: Chemists work many different places, taking on vastly different responsibilities depending on their position. You’ll need to be open to doing work that may not be ideal to you as you build up your chemistry career.
• Actual Experience: Chemistry is highly theoretical, but also extremely practical. If you have some experience in a lab or can get some, that will do wonders for increasing your opportunities in the field.
• Analytical Chops: Chemists must use logic, analysis, and the willingness to reexamine things they’ve taken for granted to be successful.
• Organized and Problem Solving: You’ll be juggling a lot, so the ability to break it into bite-sized pieces is huge for chemists. Most importantly though, you’ll need a knack for identifying problems, hypothesizing solutions, then testing and recalibrating your prescriptions.

Now let’s look at what we’ve done at Degree Query to help you find a chemistry degree or another educational discipline that’s right for you:

How Can We Help You Find the Right Chemistry Degree for You?

Here at Degree Query we’ve worked very hard to give you tools you need to find the right degree for you, whether that’s in chemistry or another educational area. We’ve ranked jobs, schools, and degree options in a number of ways. We’ve answered common questions about the higher education landscape, built tools like our interactive compare careers resource, which was designed to help you find the best degree for your needs and goals. Some of the work we’ve done that applies to chemistry and adjacent fields, and the schools that offer them include:

Rankings

• Top 50 Degrees for the Future
• Top 50 Degrees For Changing The World
• Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees
• Top 20 Highest Paying Online Degrees
• Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties
• Top 10 Highest Paying Science Careers
• Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science

And here’s some of the question’s we’ve answered:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Can I Do With a Chemical Engineering Degree?
• What Can I Do With a Food Science Degree?
• What Is the Benefit of a Chemical Engineering Degree Vs a Chemistry Degree?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Materials Engineering?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Agricultural Engineering?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Chemical Engineering?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Medicine?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Science?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be an Organic Chemist?
• What Degree Do You Need to Be an Astrophysicist?

If you find any school through our content that seems like a good fit for you, do yourself a favor and reach out to their support staff directly to request more information. You’ll often find a dedicated team that is eager to help you in your application process and do their best to competently answer any questions you might have about the schools they work for and the programs those schools offer.

Now let’s get into the different levels available to prospective chemistry students:

What are the Different Levels of Chemistry Degrees?

Associates in Chemistry

If you’re looking to get your beak wet in the world of chemistry this is a great place to start. In these introductory higher education degrees you’ll get a formative base of knowledge in areas like molecular chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physics, geology, calculus, and more. You might get the opportunity to do some lab work, and upon graduation will be prepared to push your education forward to the baccalaureate level, or for entry-level employment in chemistry as an assistant technician or similar role. These programs most often take two years to complete. They can also save you time and money if you take them through a community or junior college then transfer into a four-year degree program. Speaking of which:

Bachelors in Chemistry

These programs take four years to complete and give a much more in-depth look at the field. You’ll study experimental physics, biology, cell biology, calculus, advanced algebra, differential equations, techniques of chemical measurement, and much more. There will be plenty of lab work to give you practical experience in the field, especially regarding research and experimentation. Graduates can go on to work for drug companies, chemical research companies, medical examiner’s offices, among many other roles they’ll qualify for, as well as continuing their education at the graduate level.

Masters in Chemistry

If you want a sustainable, longterm career in chemistry, it makes a lot of sense to earn your Master’s in the field. Here you’ll gain comprehensive, exceptional instruction and hours of lab practice in areas of chemistry like environmental chem, organic chem, analytical chem, and biochemistry. You’ll build up your research skills, which are essential to a thriving, long-term career in chemistry. You can expect these programs to take two years to complete and build towards a thesis project that draws from original research you’ve done on a topic of your choice. Graduates will be trained to work in some of the most desired positions in chemistry or move on to their doctorate.

Doctorates in Chemistry

Here you’ll need four to seven years of arduous work, advanced courses, independent study, and the will to reach the upper echelon of chemistry no matter what it takes. If you want to do professional research in chemistry in a wide range of settings, this is the degree for you. If you’re going to teach higher education courses in chemistry: same deal. You can also work in healthcare, consumer affairs, for government agencies, drug companies, and many other industries, and be qualified for their top positions.

Now that we’ve explored the different levels of chemistry degrees let’s dive into the various specializations in the field that can refine your education and career in the direction of your choosing:

What are Your Chemistry Specialization Options?

There are many focus areas within chemistry, but here are a few of the most common options:

Chemical Physics

Here you’ll combine physics, math, and chemistry. You’ll study advanced applied math, electronics, quantum physics, thermodynamics, among other topics. You’ll also likely explore biology. These are incredibly interdisciplinary degrees that give graduates an incredibly versatile education in diverse math and sciences.

Paleontology

In this specialization you’ll study fossilized remains with the goal of understanding previous organisms and environments. You can uncover the impacts of current and past climate change, and you’ll use chemical analysis on fossilized plants, animals, soils, and much more.

Organic Chemistry

Here you’ll learn to use chemistry to create medicines, plastics, foods, fuel, and much more. Graduates can expect to find roles at biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, or do research and development at a number of organizations, among other positions they’ll qualify for.

Geochemistry

These programs will help you study the processes, structure, and other physical aspects of the planet. You’ll explore the chemical makeup of rocks, minerals, soil, water systems, and more. You can work to mitigate climate change, measure its effects, dispose of toxic materials, encourage the use of alternative energies, predict earthquakes, and do extensive research. You’ll also likely do a lot of field work, so if you enjoy being on the go this might be the discipline for you.

Environmental Chemistry

This is related to geochemistry, but more geared explicitly towards examining how chemicals (often contaminating ones) move through different environments. You’ll study how these chemicals impact ecosystems, animals, and humans. You can try to correct the damage chemicals are doing through the disposal of hazardous waste, do critical laboratory analysis of chemical interactions, and much more. (Learn more about the 5 best careers in environmental science.)

Forensic Chemistry

Here you’ll learn to examine isolated, specific environments or crime scenes to answer essential questions. You might end up in a crime laboratory, and depending on what degree you earn, end up running one. If you want to solve complex problems and help serve justice, this might be the best chemistry degree pathway for you.

Now that we’ve looked into the different degree levels in chemistry and some of the most common specializations, we’re almost ready to wrap up. However, before we go let’s look at some markers of how much you can earn as a chemist, and cover some last notes on your school search:

Chemistry Degrees in Conclusion

Here at Degree Query we hope you’ve found this guide very beneficial and stimulating. So what will you get out of a chemistry degree in terms of providing for yourself and your loved ones?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has found that chemists and materials scientists earned a median pay of $78,330 in 2018. There were 96,200 of these jobs in 2016, and BLS expects there will be a 7% growth between 2016-26 (as fast as the average across the economy), which will lead to 6,300 new positions. The typical entry-level education for chemist and material scientist positions is a Bachelor’s degree.

The lowest 10% of people in these positions earned less than $52,560 in May 2018, and the top 10% earned over $159,970. Some areas associated with higher pay include research and development in the engineering, physical, and life sciences, and chemists that are working in the federal government.

Please keep in mind that if you find a great program or school for you through our content, it’ll do wonders to reach out to their support staff directly to ask for help in your application process or to answer any questions you might have about the school or program.

We here at Degree Query are rooting for you to find the best degree for you and change your life and career! Best of luck!

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And as the world has seen in recent years due to the world pandemic, having qualified nurses is among the most vital aspects of responding to national medical emergencies. Thus many existing nursing programs are seeing a bump in funding and support, while many new nursing programs sprout up in program catalogues. As such, prospective nurse educators will find that there are more options than ever before for earning a Master’s of Nursing Education, particularly in the context of online degree programs. 

While online education was certainly trending towards the mainstream over recent years, the pandemic has urged ubiquitous integration. Today, many of the best nursing education programs offer online programs that are designed entirely for adult learners and working students. And oftentimes these programs offer accelerated tracks, flexible formats, and career-centric specializations so that students can enter the job market efficiently, primed to compete in the job market. 

In this ranking, our researchers have done the legwork–scouring veritable mountains of data to identify the best online programs overall. The programs of this ranking are organized according to metrics of affordability, graduation rate, and overall prestige, as is conferred by existing rankings in trusted publications such as US News & World Report and The Princeton Review.

1 Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) demonstrates a willingness to innovate while holding true to the support of women. TWU offers many nursing degree programs both in online and on-campus formats–from a nurse practitioner program, to a nursing education program, to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. TWU’s nursing programs are consistently recognized for offering a rare combination of affordability, flexibility, and academic rigor. 

Specifically, students can earn a Master’s of Nursing Education at TWU that can be completed entirely online. Highly experienced faculty work closely with each student, grooming them for positions of leadership. At TWU’s Master of Nursing Education program, students will learn from the best of the best–and will learn how to pass on this knowledge to the next generation of nursing students. 

Learn more about the Online Master’s of Nursing Education Program at Texas Woman’s University

2 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers a selection of highly affordable nursing degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. What UTRGV does to distinguish itself is it offers students programs that are simultaneously some of the most affordable on this list while also providing a level of career-centric education that is typically more common in programs with larger infrastructure and tuition costs.

Students at UTRGV School of Nursing: Division of Health Affairs can earn a Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Education emphasis. The program is completed entirely through online coursework that emphasizes flexibility without sacrificing core learning objectives. Students of the program will learn how to work with students from vastly different backgrounds. Graduates of the program often go on to teach at two and four year universities, as well community colleges.

Learn more about the Online Master’s of Nursing Education Program at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

3 The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers a selection of high-end nursing programs delivered at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate level. The College of Nursing and Health Innovation specializes in online nursing education, offering online degree programs that consistently rank among the best within their categories.

UTA’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers students a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Education. The program is completed through 39 credit hours of coursework in as few as 19 to 21 months, making it one of the most efficient programs listed. The College’s specialization in online nursing education means that students will progress through classes that utilize cutting-edge technology to replicate the clinical experience of nursing and medical situations–an excellent selling point for students who want to ensure that they make no sacrifices to benefit from the convenience of online education.

Learn more about the Online Master’s of Nursing Education Program at The University of Texas at Arlington

4 University of Nevada, Las Vegas

The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) offers a number of affordable, career-focused degree programs. UNLV distinguishes itself through a clear commitment to offering students actionable curriculums that are designed to position students for success in the job market upon graduation. As such, program curriculums are constantly in flux as they adapt to the ever changing tides of industry. 

THe UNLV Master of Science in Nursing program offers students three tracks to consider: Family Nurse Practitioner Track, Nursing Education Track, and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track. Only the Nursing Education Track is available to online students. Graduates of the nursing education program will be prepared to excel in the following areas: 

• Utilizing research to continually evolve teaching ability
• Developing teaching plans to maximize student learning 
• Assessing and evaluating academic programs, coursework, and student engagement 
• Working as a leader in various professional settings 
• Furthering the field of nursing education 

Learn more about the Online Master’s of Nursing Education Program at The University of Nevada

5 Stony Brook University

The Stony Brook University School of Nursing offers a robust selection of nursing degree programs. Many of which can be completed entirely online through flexible coursework meant to accommodate even the busiest of working students. Stony Brook University designs each of its degree programs so that working adults can seek professional advancement without sacrificing their jobs or a health work-life balance.

The Stony Brook School of Nursing offers an online Master of Science in Nursing Education that is built around a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum. Students of the program will commit to a set of core learning objectives, which are meant to represent the high bar required to become a top-tier nursing educator. While the program’s curriculum is demanding with little flexibility and no room for elective offerings, students can enjoy the confidence that once completing it they will be prepared to build success in their careers as nursing educators.

Learn more about the Online Master’s of Nursing Education Program at Stony Brook University

6 Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a force of innovation and modernization in the higher education industry. Western Governors University (WGU) was among the first universities in the country to devote its resources to becoming a technologically advanced hub for online education. Since its inception in 1997, WGU has continually distinguished itself by offering tremendously affordable degree programs that are based entirely around positioning students for success in the job market. 

WGU offers a unique nursing education program. Specifically, students can earn a fully online BSN-to-MSN in Nursing Education. 80% of graduates finished the program in just two years, making it a blindingly fast option for undergraduates who want to graduate with an MSN in Nursing Education. Not only is the program one of the most efficient on the market, but it is also the most affordable program listed in this article. Any prospective nursing educator will want to consider this option.

Learn more about the Online Master’s of Nursing Education Program at Western Governors University

7 Ferris State University

The Ferris State University College of Health Professionals School of Nursing combines a selection of prestigious degree programs with a number of specialized tracks and certificate programs that can be completed entirely online on a flexible schedule. In short, Ferris State School of Nursing is quickly becoming a premier hub for nursing students around the country, and even around the world. 

The Ferris State University School of Nursing offers a unique format for a graduate-level nursing education program. That is, students can earn a Master of Science in Nursing or an Accelerated RN-to-MSN with an optional Nursing Education Certificate. The certificate program enables students to engage a traditional MSN curriculum while becoming acquainted with the fundamentals of nursing education. This path however, will be best suited for those who are not looking to build careers entirely around nursing education and instead are looking to chart a road somewhere between professional nursing and nursing education.

Learn more about the Online Master’s of Nursing Education Program at Ferris State University

8 East Tennessee State University

The East Tennessee State University College of Nursing offers the prestige and tradition associated with large state universities with decades of demonstrated excellence, combined with the cutting-edge technology and infrastructure of a university specializing in online education. In other words, the ETSU College of Nursing is a rare example of a College that expanded into online education smoothly with nothing but success and notoriety. Students who enroll in an online nursing degree at ETSU will benefit from excellence in the College’s four pillars: education, scholarship/research, service, and practice.

Online nursing students at ETSU can earn one the following MSN degree concentrations: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, and the Family Nurse Practitioner. The proficiency of instructors and overall program is demonstrated by the certification exam pass-rates: 100% Pass Rate on PMHNP Certification, 98% Pass rate on FNP Certification for 2020.

The program also differentiates itself by the focus provided to nursing education in the context of a rural environment. So students who are interested in taking their nursing education careers to a rural location will likely find this program to be a top contender. 

Learn more about the Online Master’s of Nursing Education Program at East Tennessee State University

9 Angelo State University

Angelo State University has updated many of its nursing degree program offeringings to reflect the national shortage of nurses. Its programs are relatively affordable, but really demonstrate their value in the quality of education offered. Students of these programs will participate in state of the art nursing education technology which is meant to simulate real-world situations. This technology is extremely valuable in online education, where students run the risk of missing out on certain real-world learning objectives. 

Angelo State University offers a number of fully online Master of Science in Nursing programs. Among which is a Master of Science in Nursing Education program, which is fully accredited and recognized by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students of the program will progress through a comprehensive curriculum based on the following topics and courses:

• Curriculum in Nursing Education
• Teaching Strategies and Evaluation in Nursing Education
• Roles and Financial Management in Nursing Education
• Advanced Nursing Clinical Practice for Nurse Educators
• Capstone Practicum in Nursing Education
  

Learn more about the Online Master’s of Nursing Education Program at Angelo State University

10 Winona State University

Winona State University offers a number of industry-aware nursing programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and even postgraduate level. Students can consider an RN-to-MSN pathway, as well as Master’s of Nursing programs with the following concentration tracks: Nurse Educator (NE), Nursing Leadership: Nursing and Organizational Leadership. Regardless of their chosen program, students will program through an evidence-based curriculum which promotes critical analyses and objective decision-making. 

Specifically though, students of the Master’s level Nurse Education (NE) track will master the fundamentals of curriculum-design, student mentorship, and research. Students of the program will program through a fully online curriculum that covers the following specialized subjects:

• Molecular, Genetic and Immune Mechanisms in Disease
• Advanced Clinical Pharmacology
• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Advanced Health Assessment
• Nursing Education: Theory and Research
• Nursing Education Curriculum & Program Design 
• Nursing Education: Instruction and Evaluation
• Nursing Education: Instruction and Evaluation Practicum/Clinical
  

Learn more about the Online Master’s of Nursing Education Program at Winona State University

For Further Reading:

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

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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.

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.

What to Look for in the Top Medical Schools

What attributes position an institution among the best medical schools?

Accreditation: The practice of medicine is highly regulated, so attending an accredited medical school is essential for aspiring practitioners. All of the medical schools that landed a spot on our medical school rankings list are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. This accreditation body accredits allopathic Doctor of Medicine (MD) medical schools in the United States. (Accreditation of medical schools that award the Doctor of Osteopathic, or DO, medical degree instead is conferred by the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.)

Opportunities for Experience: The reason you’re applying to medical schools is primarily to acquire the medical training needed to practice medicine. All accredited medical schools include practical rotations that allow students to develop the hands-on clinical skills they will use throughout their careers in medicine. However, some medical schools offer specific opportunities for students to gain experience in certain medical specialties, work with underserved communities or just begin their clinical training earlier in the course of their med school education.

RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties

Cost and Financial Aid: Medical school is expensive no matter where you go, but students should still be aware of how much they are spending on their education and what financial aid is available at various medical schools to make their education more affordable.

RELATED: Highest Paying Degrees in Medicine – Majors & Careers

Curriculum Content and Options That Match Your Interests: All medical schools train students for the clinical practice of medicine. However, not all medical schools incorporate research, scholarship or community health into the curriculum. Our list includes medical schools and programs that offer combined degree programs, research opportunities, specialized concentrations in clinical practice or scholarly inquiry and much more.

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

1. New York University Grossman School of Medicine

New York University is home to two medical schools, the Grossman School of Medicine in New York City and the Long Island School of Medicine in Mineola, NY. Both medical schools have their strong points, but if we’re only including one NYU med school on our list, we have to give the edge to the Grossman School of Medicine, which dates back to 1841.

The Grossman School of Medicine (along with NYU Long Island School of Medicine) is part of the NYU Langone Health academic medical center, which U.S. News & World Report named the third-best hospital in the United States under its Best Hospitals for Adults 2022-23 rankings list.

NYU is a private research university, and the Grossman School of Medicine continues that tradition with excellence. Faculty at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine received $815 million in funding from National Institutes of Health awards alone in 2021, including a $450 million grant to study the long-term health effects of contracting COVID-19. The medical school’s extensive research activities prompted U.S. News & World Report to rank NYU Grossman School of Medicine second on its list of best medical schools for research.

RELATED: Do I Need to Have a Medical Degree to be Involved in Clinical Research?

The medical school also tied for ninth place in the specialty of psychology, 11th in radiology and 48th in primary care and claimed the 12th-place spot in obstetrics and gynecology.

One unique aspect of the Grossman School of Medicine at New York University is that it offers both a traditional four-year MD curriculum and an accelerated three-year MD program. New York University calls the accelerated pathway “the first of its kind at a nationally ranked academic medical center,” although according to U.S. News & World Report, the accelerated medical degree program established in 1969 at McMaster University Medical School in Canada has served as a “role models” for the other medical schools, like NYU’s, that have since implemented accelerated programs.

One of our favorite points about NYU Grossman School of Medicine is its tuition-free initiative. All students enrolled in the MD program receive Full-Tuition Scholarships – not dependent on financial need or merit – that, as long as the student continues to maintain satisfactory academic progress, cover “the majority” of the cost of going to medical school.

NYU Grossman School of Medicine is a competitive institution. Of the 8,361 applications received for the class that matriculated in 2022, only 1,037 applicants were even granted interviews, and just 102 students ultimately matriculated. Among the school’s incoming class during the 2021 admissions cycle, the average GPA was 3.92, and the average MCAT score was 522.

View program details.

2. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

The Johns Hopkin School of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, is affiliated with the John Hopkins Hospital, among other well-regarded medical facilities, it’s no surprise that this is one of the most highly respected medical schools in the nation.

In addition to its MD program, Johns Hopkin School of Medicine offers an MD/MBA dual-degree course of study and three combined degree paths that award an MD along with a Master of Public Health degree, a Master of Science in Health Care Management degree or a PhD.

The MD curriculum at this medical school, called the Johns Hopkins Genes to Society curriculum, is informed by the findings of the Human Genome Project. Throughout all four years of study, medical students at Johns Hopkins University will encounter the core themes of biological mechanisms, health systems science and the culture of medicine integrated into the curriculum through scientific, social and clinical Horizontal Strands. The core clerkships through which students gain clinical skills include medicine, surgery, neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology.

RELATED: What Major Do You Need to Be a Surgeon?

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine tied for third in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best medical schools for research and tied for 52nd place among the top medical schools for primary care. Among specialties, the school ranked first in internal medicine and radiology and tied for first place in surgery.

U.S. News also ranked Johns Hopkins School of Medicine second for anesthesiology, third for psychiatry, fourth for pediatrics and tied for sixth for obstetrics and gynecology. In 2019, Forbes ranked Johns Hopkins University as tied for 16th place on its America’s Top STEM Schools for Women list.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reported a 6.3% admission rate. Out of the 4,548 prospective students who applied for the MD class of 2026, 287 were accepted and only 118 matriculated. The average GPA for incoming students was 3.94, and the average MCAT score was 521.

For the 2022 through 2023 school year, the tuition and fees for medical students at Johns Hopkins University amounted to $66,173 for the first year of study, $65,433 for the second year of study, $65,233 for the third year of study and $64,099 for the fourth year of study. The school awards 85% of enrolled MD students financial aid packages funded through the 150+ scholarship and loan accounts the school has received from alumni and donors. As a result, graduates from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine report a student loan debt amount below the average for private medical schools.

View program details.

3. Harvard Medical School at Harvard University

Harvard University in Boston, MA, is a prestigious institution. It’s no wonder that the medical college associated with the Ivy League School is just as prestigious.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the medical school, which was founded in 1782 and is the third oldest medical school in America, as the best in the nation on its 2023 list of the best medical schools for research and ninth in the nation among medical schools for primary care practice. Harvard Medical School was also ranked #1 in anesthesiology and psychiatry, and it tied for first place in the specialties of surgery and obstetrics and gynecology.

U.S. News also ranked Harvard #2 in internal medicine and radiology and tied for second place in pediatrics. Harvard University as a whole also tied for first place on Forbes‘ 2019 list of America’s Best STEM Schools for Women.

Harvard Medical School at Harvard University awards Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees, as well as PhDs and master’s degrees. Through its Harvard School of Dental Medicine, students can also pursue a DMD for practitioners or a Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc) degree for researchers. The medical school at Harvard University offers a number of dual-degree programs, including programs that lead to an MD degree along with a Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master in Public Policy (MPP), Master of Academic Discipline (MAD) and Master of Medical Science (MMSc) degrees in areas like medical education, clinical investigation, immunology and global health delivery. Students interested in medical research should consider applying to the MD-PhD combined program. Of the 12,311 total faculty employed by Harvard Medical School, 35 have been appointed Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators, and one has been appointed an HHMI Professor.

A medical education at this institution consists of three tracks: a pre-clerkship phase, a principal clinical experience phase and a post-PCE phase. Most medical students participate in the traditional MD track, called the Pathways track, but around 20% of students instead enroll in the Health Sciences and Technology track that prepares students for academic research projects as well as the clinical practice of medicine. The core clerkships students must complete during the principal clinical experience phase of their education include general medicine, primary care, surgery, radiology, psychiatry, neurology, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology. Students complete these rotations in facilities such as Massachusetts General Hospital, the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the Boston Children’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

An average acceptance rate of just 3.3% makes Harvard a highly competitive medical school. Applicants reported an undergraduate average GPA of 3.9 and an average MCAT score of 520.06.

If you beat the odds to get accepted into the medical school at Harvard, you may end up with less student debt than the average medical school graduate. Although tuition for the 2021 through 2022 academic year amounted to $67,610 and fees increased the cost of attendance by an additional $5,981, the average graduating debt for Harvard Medical School students was $108,382 – almost 40% less than the $179,679 national average graduating debt reported for medical school students.

View program details.

4. University of California–San Francisco School of Medicine

At the University of California–San Francisco School of Medicine, the MD program consists of three phases completed over four years of study and clinical training.

The Foundations 1 portion of the curriculum emphasizes coursework in basic sciences and clinical sciences. The Foundations 2 phase is a 48-week clerkship-focused phase of the program during which students complete short elective Clinical Immersion Experiences and gain hands-on training in clinical settings in medical specialties like family and community medicine, internal medicine, surgery, anesthesiology, neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology. The Foundations 2 phase of medical school ends with the Step 1 Clinical Performance Exam. Finally, the 61-week Career Launch phase of the MD curriculum includes advanced clinical rotations in students’ areas of interest. They also complete a required Specialty Practice Ambulatory “sub-iNternship,” or SPAN, and work on a scholarly Deep Explore research project.

Under the MD program’s Bridges Curriculum, students develop competencies in medical knowledge, patient care, practice-based learning and improvement, systems-based practice, professionalism, interprofessional collaboration and interpersonal and communication skills.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of California–San Francisco School of Medicine second in the nation for medical schools in primary care specialties and third in the nation for research. The school excelled in several medical specialties, ranking #1 (tied) for obstetrics and gynecology, #3 for internal medicine, #4 for both anesthesiology and psychiatry and tying for fourth place in radiology, #5 in both surgery and pediatrics and #6 in family medicine.

For the entering class of 2022, just 544 out of the 9,090 total applicants snagged an interview, and only 167 students ultimately enrolled in the MD program. The median GPA for entering students was 3.87, and the median MCAT score of accepted students was in the 90th percentile.

For in-state students of the University of California–San Francisco School of Medicine, the total cost of tuition and fees – including the $11,700 tuition amount and the professional degree supplemental tuition cost of $25,221 – is $45,131 for the first two years and $49,167 for the last two years, under the 2022 through 20230 cost of attendance. Non-residents pay a separate non-resident tuition cost of $12,245. All told, including the cost of living expenses and books and equipment, California residents who attend this institution can expect to spend $78,086 per year, and non-resident students are looking at $90,331. However, medical school students at the University of California–San Francisco borrowed an average of $140,293 – 30% less than the $207,003 average medical school loan debt reported for 2020.

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5. Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

The school of medicine at Columbia University in New York, NY, is called the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and has educated medical doctors for more than 250 years. This MD-granting institution is ranked tied for third place nationwide on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best medical schools for research and #75th in the nation in the major category of the best medical schools for primary care education.

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons was also ranked second in the nation for the specialty of psychiatry, fifth for both anesthesiology and obstetrics and gynecology, sixth for internal medicine, seventh for surgery and tenth for radiology. In 2019, Forbes ranked Columbia University as tied for tenth place on its list of America’s Top STEM Schools for Women.

MD students participate in 18 months of preclinical coursework, with classes in clinical gross anatomy, molecular mechanisms and disease, histology and pathology, the foundations of clinical medicine, psychiatric medicine and health and disease in the body. After they complete their basic sciences coursework, students enter the Major Clinical Year phase of their education, during which they complete 12 months of clerkships in areas like primary care, surgery, orthopedics, internal medicine, neurology neurosurgery, psychiatry, urology, obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics. A 14-month Differentiation and Integration phase of medical school education, in which students take clinical and research elective courses and work on a scholarly project, follows the clinical year.

If you’re particularly interested in rural medicine – and you’re a high achiever – an exclusive program within the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons may be of particular interest to you. Each year, 10 students receive the honor of being admitted to the Columbia-Bassett track. The school also offers numerous dual-degree programs that pair the MD program with coursework in areas like biomedical sciences, public health, business, biomedical engineering and biomedical informatics.

Columbia University received 8,080 MD program applications for the Class of 2025 and interviewed 852 applicants, ultimately admitting 140 new students. Among applicants who received admissions offers for the 2022 application cycle, undergraduate GPAs ranged from 3.44 to 4.0 and MCAT scores ranged from 508 to 528.
The school charges a flat tuition rate per year that, for the 2022 through 2023 year, amounted to $68,820 (plus fees). All told, first-year students paid $75,624, and second- through fourth-year students paid $75,374 in tuition and fees, not counting living expenses, books, equipment, exam fees and other educational expenses.

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6. Stanford University School of Medicine

The School of Medicine at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, offers five distinct MD pathways under its Discovery Curriculum. The new and redesigned courses that populate the curriculum allow students to receive a higher-quality education that still continues in the tradition of the school’s established medical training curriculum. Under the Discovery Curriculum, students have more opportunities to pursue dual degrees in areas like public health, public policy, business and bioengineering and to gain scholarly research experience through two-year and three-year options for pre-clerkship coursework.

RELATED: Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioengineering a Good Direction to Go If I Want to Go to Medical School? 

Required clerkships for MD students at Stanford Medicine include general medicine, general surgery, family medicine, emergency medicine, ambulatory medicine, critical care, neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology. Depending on which of the five pathways students take, their coursework can be completed in as little as four years (a traditional MD with a scholarly concentration) or take as long as seven to eight years (for an MD/PhD program).

The Stanford University School of Medicine was named eighth in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top medical schools for research and tied for 30th place among the best medical schools for primary care. The school also ranked highly for several medical specialties, including anesthesiology (sixth place), radiology (seventh place), surgery (eighth place), psychiatry (eighth place), pediatrics (tied for eighth place), internal medicine (ninth place) and obstetrics and gynecology (tied for ninth place). Stanford University was ranked in a tenth-place tie on Forbes’ list of America’s Top STEM Schools for Women in 2019.

Stanford University School of Medicine is, according to U.S. News & World Report, the second most selective medical school in America, with an acceptance rate of just 1.4%. The Stanford Medicine entering class of 2020 included just 90 students selected out of 6,800 applications. Just 470 applicants were even granted interviews, and 152 of them received admissions offers.

Stanford University isn’t a cheap medical school to attend. MD students paid a quarterly tuition rate of $21,249 for the 2020 through 2023 school year, which added up to $84,996 for just one year of medical school – not counting fees, living expenses or the cost of books and equipment.

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7. Duke University School of Medicine

At Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC, the four-year curriculum of the MD program is packed with more scholarly and clinical training than the typical medical school curriculum. The program reimagines the traditional medical school plan of study to condense it into three years, allowing students to also pursue biomedical research projects during their medical training and still graduate at the same time as their peers in conventional MD programs at other schools.

Duke University medical students cover their core basic science classes during their first year and jump right into clinical clerkships in general medicine, family medicine, radiology, surgery, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and psychiatry in their second year of medical school. Their third year presents opportunities for extensive research, as well as clinical training through elective rotations. Students’ fourth year of study consists of clinical electives and a capstone course.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Duke University as tied for sixth place in the nation among the best medical schools for research and tied for 78th place among the top medical schools for primary care practice. The school ranked highly for several medical specialties, including anesthesiology (#3), surgery (#3), internal medicine (#5), radiology (#6), obstetrics and gynecology (#8), pediatrics (tied at #8) and psychiatry (tied at #9). Duke was also tied for fourth place in that nation on Forbes’ 2019 list of America’s Top STEM Schools for Women.

A minimum MCAT score of 500 is required to apply to the Duke University School of Medicine, and the median MCAT score of applicants who received admissions offers was 520. Among MD students who matriculated in 2022, the median undergraduate GPA range was from 3.7 to 3.9 and above. Of the 4,798 applicants who submitted completed applications that admissions cycle, 541 were interviewed and 105 were matriculated.

Tuition for the MD program at Duke University for the 2022 through 2023 school year was $65,526 for the year, which does include summer semesters when applicable. After fees, the first-year cost amounted to $69,756. Students in years two and three paid $69,376 for the year, and students in their final year of medical school paid $69,052. These figures don’t include housing, food, books or other living expenses or educational costs.

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8. Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania was the first medical school established in the United States, way back in 1765. Today, the medical school, which is affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania Health System, structures its MD program according to its IMPaCT curriculum. This curriculum emphasizes Integrating Medicine, Patient Care and Transitions.

Like other medical schools, the Perelman School of Medicine is a four-year program that combines basic science coursework with rotations devoted to developing clinical skills. The curriculum emphasizes three core themes: the science of medicine, the practice of medicine and the technology it entails and professionalism and humanism.

In Core 1, the pre-clerkship curriculum, students complete one semester of biomedical sciences coursework and two semesters of study in integrated systems and disease. The clerkship curriculum makes up the Core 2 portion of the MD program, during which students complete clinical rotations in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, neurology, psychiatry, emergency medicine and specialty services such as anesthesiology, orthopedics or ophthalmology.

The Core 3 portion of the program includes advanced electives that may be academic, clinical or research-focused, a 12-week scholarly research pursuit and an inpatient sub-internship in an area like internal medicine, family medicine, emergency medicine or pediatrics. Students are allotted 24 weeks of flexible/open time that they can use to customize their medical education through additional research pursuits, clinical experiences, coursework for academic concentrations or combined degree programs and projects pertaining to community health or public health.

In addition to the traditional MD program, the Perelman School of Medicine offers PhD programs and combined PhD and master’s degree programs in medicine and public health, clinical epidemiology, bioethics, medical ethics, health policy research, translational research, business administration and law. You can even pursue a Juris Doctor, the degree required to practice law, along with your medical doctorate degree.

U.S. News & World Report ranked this Philadelphia, PA, medical school as tied for sixth place among the best medical schools for research and tied for 20th place among the top medical schools for primary care. According to U.S. News, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine was the best in the nation for the specialty of pediatrics. The medical school also scored high rankings in specialties of obstetrics and gynecology (#3), radiology (#3), internal medicine (#4), surgery (#4), psychiatry (#6), anesthesiology (tied for #7) and family medicine (tied for #12). Forbes ranked the University of Pennsylvania as tied for fourth place on its 2019 list of America’s Top STEM Schools for Women.

RELATED: What College Degree Is Needed to Be a Pediatrician?

The 2022 entering class reported a GPA range of 3.63 to 4.00 and an MCAT range of 511 to 528. Of the admitted MD students, 70% were science majors as undergraduates and 30% majored in other academic subjects. U.S. News & World Report put the medical school’s acceptance rate at 3.8% in 2022, when the school reported a matriculated class size of 149.

Tuition and fees for the 2022 through 2023 academic year amounted to $69,263 for MD students at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

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9. University of Minnesota Medical School

The University of Minnesota is one medical school with two campuses: the Duluth campus and the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. It’s also the only medical school in these cities.

Although the MD curriculum is the same for both campuses, there are slight differences. For example, only the Twin Cities campus offers the school’s dual-degree (MD/PhD) Medical Scientist Training Program. This campus, which was founded in 1851, is the flagship campus of the University of Minnesota System. It also makes the University of Minnesota one of only five universities nationwide that brings together a medical school, veterinary school, engineering school, law school and agricultural school on a single campus. The school is affiliated with the University of Minnesota Medical Center and the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital.

The University of Minnesota Medical School–Twin Cities campus is one of the few medical schools on our list to fare better in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of the best medical schools for primary care (on which it ranked third) rather than for research (on which it tied for 43rd place). The school also ranked fourth in the specialty of family medicine.

The flexible MD program at the University of Minnesota is particularly well-suited for aspiring health professionals who are more interested in the experience of medical education than in rushing through the curriculum to start practicing medicine as soon as possible. Under this program, students can pursue “experiences not available in the regular curriculum” – including research experiences, community-based service learning, dual-degree programs, certificate programs and advanced courses – and receive up to six years of total medical education for the same cost as if they had completed their MD in the traditional four-year timeframe. If, however, you want to follow a more conventional format to earn your medical degree, you can do that, too.

You must have a minimum MCAT score of 495 to apply to the medical programs at the University of Minnesota. At the Twin Cities (Minneapolis) campus, the 2021 incoming class of MD students reported an average MCAT score of 509.8 and an average GPA of 3.72. Of the 3,854 prospective students who applied, 165 ultimately enrolled. The incoming class at the Duluth campus reported an average MCAT score of 504 and an average GPA of 3.67. At this campus, 1,388 prospective students applied, and 65 students eventually enrolled.

The first year of the program is the most expensive, with each year getting marginally less expensive. For first-year resident MD students, the cost of tuition and fees for the 2022 through 2023 academic year amounted to $29,934, while non-resident students paid $43,378.

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10. Yale School of Medicine at Yale University

Yale School of Medicine at Yale University is ranked among the top 10 medical schools for research, according to U.S. News & World Report. The New Haven, Connecticut, medical college’s contributions to the evolution of medicine have a long history. The school, which dates back to 1810, has been the site of America’s first X-ray and use of penicillin and, in 1942, the first-ever use of chemotherapy as a cancer treatment, among other milestones. In addition to the MD program, Yale School of Medicine offers a physician assistant (PA) program, PhD and master’s programs and joint MD programs, including an MD/PhD program and combined programs in law, management and divinity.

Yale also tied for 68th place among the top medical schools for primary care. Among other major medical specialties, Yale ranked fifth for psychiatry, 9th for radiology, tied for 10th for internal medicine and 11th for obstetrics and gynecology.

The first year of the MD program at Yale School of Medicine covers an Integrated Course Curriculum. Students also begin an Interprofessional Longitudinal Clinical Experience and Medical Coaching Experiences through which they begin to build their clinical skills. Year two, which begins the summer after they start medical school, includes elective coursework and research opportunities, as well as the continuation of the Integrated Course Curriculum throughout the fall semester.

January marks the beginning of students’ clinical clerkships, which continue through December of their third year of study. Unlike other schools, Yale Medical School arranges its clinical clerkships thematically. The theme for the internal medicine and neurology clerkships is The Medical Approach to the Patient. Surgery and emergency medicine clerkships fit into the theme of The Surgical Approach to the Patient. Naturally, the clerkships involved in the Women and Children’s Health theme are obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics. Pediatrics clerkships also fit into the Biopsychosocial Approach to Health theme, along with clerkships in primary care and psychiatry. Next, students enter an Advanced Training Period that consists of sub-internships, research experiences and electives. Students who want more from their medical education may choose to complete an optional, tuition-free fifth year of study, research or clinical experience (or some combination).

Yale School of Medicine has an acceptance rate of 4.8%, according to U.S. News. Among the 100 first-year MD students entering the program in 2020, the median GPA was 3.85, and the median MCAT score was 519.

Tuition for all years of the MD program during the 2022 through 2023 academic year was $67,484, not counting fees, living expenses, books or equipment. Generous scholarships allow MD students to graduate with, on average, a total student loan debt of $60,000 – a much more manageable amount than the national median medical school debt amount, which exceeds $200,000.

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11. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

The University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA, dates back to 1787. Since then, the public research university’s reputation for excellence and innovation has included the development of the polio vaccine and breakthroughs in DNA study and organ transplantation. It’s no surprise that the School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh is one of the top-ranked medical schools in the country.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine as tied for 10th in the nation among the best medical schools for primary care and tied for 14th among the top medical schools for research. The medical school also earned high rankings on the publication’s lists of the best schools for the specialty of psychiatry (seventh in the nation) and surgery (tied for tenth).

Throughout the five curriculum blocks – the Foundations of Medicine, Organ Systems Pathophysiology, Evidence and Discovery, Introduction to Patient Care and Patient, Physician and Society – MD students at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine learn through problem-based approaches, participatory learning experiences and early opportunities for clinical experience. Students can also pursue areas of concentration in topics like infectious diseases, geriatric medicine, addiction medicine, public health, reconstructive and regenerative medicine and bioengineering, biotechnology and innovation. Students also participate in research through the Longitudinal Research Project aspect of the MD curriculum.

For the MD class admitted to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 2022, the median GPA was 3.88, and the median MCAT score was 517. Of the 8,393 total applicants, 295 were accepted, and 153 were matriculated.

The good news, if you’re not from Pennsylvania, is that non-residents won’t pay much more for tuition than residents will at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The first-year resident tuition rate for the MD program during the 2022 through 2023 academic year was $61,194 per year, while the non-resident tuition rate was $63,576. Fees for both residents and non-resident students amounted to $1,222.

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12. Washington University School of Medicine

Don’t confuse the Washington University School of Medicine with the University of Washington or with other schools located in either Washington State or Washington, D.C. This nationally ranked medical school is based in St. Louis, Missouri, and offers not only an MD program but also combined degree program options in areas like population health sciences, public health, biomedical informatics, clinical investigation and business administration.

Washington University School of Medicine tied for 11th place on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top-ranked medical schools for research and ranked 56th on the publication’s list of the top-ranked medical schools for primary care. Among other specialties, the med school tied for fourth place in radiology, tied for seventh place in internal medicine, tied for ninth place in both anesthesiology and obstetrics and gynecology and was named ninth in the nation for surgery. Forbes ranked Washington University in St. Louis as tied for 16th place on its 2019 list of America’s Top STEM Schools for Women.

The MD program at Washington University School of Medicine follows the Gateway Curriculum, which divides the program into three phases. During the preclinical Gateway to the Foundations phase, students complete 16 months of basic science coursework, clinical immersions and other foundational educational experiences. Phase Two, Gateway to Clinical Medicine, is a 12-month period during which students complete eight-week clinical clerkships in the areas of surgery, internal medicine, neurology, psychology, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology. For students interested in medical and biomedical research, an optional immersive research experience is available during Phase Two.

The third phase of the curriculum, Gateway to Specialization, stretches over 16 months and encompasses a required sub-internship in internal medicine, two advanced clinical rotations, two transdisciplinary Keystone Integrated Science Courses, elective courses, research opportunities and a Gateway to Residency capstone course.

For Washington University in St. Louis, U.S. News & World Report listed a medical school acceptance rate of 7.5%.The 2022 entering class reported an average GPA of 3.86, with a range between 2.77 and 4.00, and an average MCAT score of 520.2, with a range between 505 and 528.

How much will you pay to study medicine at Washington University? Tuition and fees for the 2022 through 2023 academic year equaled $69,250, not counting the cost of room and board, books, equipment and other living expenses and educational expenses.

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13. Baylor College of Medicine

Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, is affiliated with the Texas Medical Center, which is the world’s largest medical complex. The MD program at Baylor College of Medicine is small but well-regarded. The school boasts above-average scores on the USMLE Step 1 licensing exam and, in 2019, a 100% pass rate on this exam. Students at Baylor College of Medicine are consistently accepted to one of their top-choice residency opportunities.

During the first 18 months of the curriculum, MD students complete their Foundational Science coursework. They begin interacting with real patients just weeks into the program. January of students’ second year marks the start of their clinical sciences curriculum, during which they perform core clerkships in medicine, emergency medicine, family and community medicine, neurology, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and psychiatry.

Baylor College of Medicine ranked well on U.S. News & World Report’s lists of the best medical schools for both research (for which it tied for 22nd in the nation) and primary care (for which it tied for 16th place), as well as placing the medical school as tied for eighth place in the specialty of pediatrics.

Of the 408 applications received, 90 applicants were interviewed, and just 14 ultimately matriculated as part of the entering class of 2022. The average GPA reported for students who matriculated during the 2022 through 2023 academic year was 3.81, and the average MCAT score was in the 95th percentile.

For tuition, fees and insurance, Texas residents studying medicine at Baylor College of Medicine paid $27,954.75 for the 2022 through 2023 school year, and non-resident students paid $41,054.75. Baylor College of Medicine students graduate with significantly less debt, on average, than students at other private medical schools and even other public medical schools, with an average debt amount of just $106,344.

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14. University of Colorado School of Medicine

The University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, CO, is affiliated with the UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine received more than $550 million in grant funding for their research in 2021.

Beginning with the Class of 2025, the University of Colorado School of Medicine is implementing a new curriculum, the Trek Curriculum. As they trek through their medical education, MD students will follow a path from the “Plains” (the foundational preclinical coursework) to the core clerkships that make up the “Foothills” and then the advanced clinical experience, basic science coursework and leadership training that comprise the “Alpine” stage of study. Students end their med school experience at the “Summit,” where they complete courses that focus on the transition to residency.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Colorado School of Medicine sixth in the nation among the best medical schools for primary care and 27th among the top medical schools for research. The institution landed spots in the top 10 for the medical specialties of pediatrics and family medicine.

Admission to the University of Colorado School of Medicine is competitive. Each year, the school receives more than 10,000 applications for just 184 spots.

For the 2022 through 2023 academic year, resident students paid $43,450 in tuition and fees for their first year of the MD program. The school charges non-resident students $83,290 in tuition and fees, but, per its policies, the Medical MD Non-Resident Rate “will only be charged if the non-resident student voluntarily chooses to withdraw from medical school after completing the first year for any reason other than medical disability.”

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15. University of Michigan Medical School

At the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI, you will encounter a competency-based curriculum, which is rare among top-ranked medical schools. Learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom help students develop competencies across four areas: foundational scientific and clinical knowledge, longitudinal learning in a small-group community, individualized directed professional development and applied leadership education for the clinical environment and beyond.

Rather than splitting the curriculum into two years of didactic coursework and two years of clinical rotations, as most medical schools do, the University of Michigan Medical School incorporates both scientific education and clinical training into all four years of study. The program consists of “trunks” that are more standardized and “branches” that are more individualized. The scientific trunk that makes up the first year of medical school is primarily preclinical in focus and is followed by the clinical trunk in year two. All students complete clinical clerkships in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, psychiatry and neurology. In years three and four, students choose from one of four branches to focus on: Patients and Populations, Procedure-Based Care, Diagnostics and Therapeutics and Systems and Hospital-Based Care.

In addition to the MD program, the University of Michigan Medical School offers PhDs in 13 disciplines and MD/PhD combined degree programs for students interested in both clinical practice of medicine and medical research.

The Leapfrog Group named the hospital affiliated with the University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan Health, one of its Top Teaching Hospitals in 2022. U.S. News & World Report ranked the school 17th among the best medical schools for research and 20th among the top medical schools for primary care.

Among medical specialties, the school ranked fourth in the nation for obstetrics and gynecology, sixth for surgery, tied for seventh for both anesthesiology and internal medicine, eighth for radiology, eleventh for both family medicine and psychiatry and 12th for pediatrics.

Of the 9,385 prospective medical students who applied to the University of Michigan MD program, only 168 ended up being part of the entering class of 2022. The class’s average GPA for all subjects was 3.8, and the average GPA for undergraduate science coursework, specifically, was 3.75. The average MCAT percentile of matriculated students was 91.12.

Under the 2022 through 2023 tuition rates, Michigan residents are looking at total tuition and fees costs of $50,763 for each of the first three 12-month sessions and $33,842 for the last 8-month branch of their studies. For non-resident students, these costs climb to $70,212 for each of the first three 12-month sessions and $46,808 for the last 8-month branch.

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16. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Like many other medical schools, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, has upgraded its curriculum to meet the ever-evolving needs of the field of medicine. The school has named its innovative curriculum “Curriculum 2.0.”

Year one of the MD curriculum at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine begins with 13 months of study in the Foundations of Medical Knowledge. During year two, which is dedicated to the Foundations of Clinical Care, students complete core clerkships in medicine, surgery, neurology, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics. The theme of years three and four is immersion. During these years, students use their electives to immerse themselves in clinical, academic and research-based learning experiences, including an internship, that allow them to develop a personalized pathway that reflects their clinical and research interests.

The school ranked 13th in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best medical schools for research and tied for 43rd place among the top medical schools for primary care. It also ranked well in the specialties of internal medicine, for which it tied for tenth place, and anesthesiology, for which it tied for twelfth place.

Of 7,410 applicants, only 96 ultimately enrolled as part of the incoming MD class of 2021. Among matriculated students, the undergraduate GPA range was 3.5 to 4.0 and MCAT scores fell between the 74th and 100 percentiles.

For the 2022 through 2023 school year, tuition for every year of the MD program amounted to $64,882, not counting fees, living expenses or other educational expenses.

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17. University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School is located in New England’s second-largest city, Worcester, MA. This institution is also the only public medical school in the state. Under the school’s “competency-driven” Learner-centered Integrated Curriculum (LInC), students develop an understanding of the physician in their numerous roles – as a professional, a scientist, a clinical problem solver, a patient and community advocate and a person.

The curriculum at UMass Chan Medical School begins with a Transition to Medical School orientation and students’ first year of preclinical Foundations of Medicine coursework, which continues through the second year of the program. The third year of medical school encompasses clinical experiences in surgery, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry and neurology. In their fourth year, students undertake an Advanced Studies Curriculum that includes a sub-internship in one of four areas of interest, elective coursework, a two-week Advanced Biomedical and Translational Sciences course and a four-week Emergency Clinical Problem Solver course. Students may apply to extend their studies for a fifth year to further their clinical experience, research experience or international experience.

On U.S. News & World Report’s rankings lists, the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School tied for 10th place among the best medical schools for primary care and tied for 47th place among the top medical schools for research.

The Class of 2025 MD students at UMass Chan Medical School consisted of 120 Massachusetts residents and 47 out-of-state students selected out of 3,769 completed applications. Entering students reported an average GPA of 3.76 and an average MCAT score of 515, which corresponded with the 88th percentile of exam scores.

During the 2022 through 2023 academic year, in-state students at UMass Chan Medical School paid $37,120 in tuition plus fees. Out-of-state students paid $63,832 in tuition. For MD students whose education goes longer than eight full terms, a $7,106 “Extended Program Fee” is charged in lieu of tuition.

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18. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Clinical training within the first year of med school is a hallmark of MD education at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. Throughout their MD training, students have the opportunity to gain clinical experience at state-of-the-art medical facilities at Parkland Memorial Hospital, William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, Children’s Health Children’s Medical Center Dallas and the Zale Lipshy Pavilion at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital.

The first year and a half of the program is dedicated to pre-clerkship coursework that is offered on a pass/fail basis and delivered through team-based learning experiences. The second semester of students’ second year marks the beginning of clerkship clinical experiences, which encompass 48 weeks of training in the fields of internal medicine, surgery, family medicine, ambulatory care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, neurology and psychiatry. Year four is the post-clerkship year, which encompasses required sub-internship rotations in critical care and emergency care, 18 weeks of electives, a Frontiers in Medicine course, a Physicians and Society course and a Residency Essentials course.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center as tied for 16th place among the best medical schools for primary care and tied for 25th place among the best medical schools for research.

The average GPA of students who matriculated into the UT Southwestern Medical Class of 2025 was 3.88, and the average MCAT score was 516. U.S. News & World Report listed the medical school acceptance rate of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center as 6% in 2022.

Tuition and fees for first-year MD students who are Texas residents amounted to $23,023 for the 2023 through 2024 academic year. This cost is noticeably more affordable than the $37,080 tuition and fees amount for the average public medical school and the $58,889 tuition and fees amount for the average private medical school. The average student debt for UT Southwestern Medical Center graduates, $131,699, was well below the average public medical school debt ($194,558) and private medical school debt ($222,899).

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19. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC, is an excellent option for aspiring MD students interested in primary care practice.

U.S. News & World Report ranked UNC School of Medicine fifth in the nation among the best medical schools for primary care, third for the specialty of family medicine and tied for 25th among the best medical schools for research.

Since August 2014, the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill School of Medicine has followed the Translational Education at Carolina (TEC) curriculum, which encompasses three phases. The Foundation Phase, which makes up the first three semesters of an MD student’s education, consists of integrated coursework in basic science that is delivered in organ-based blocks. In the Application Phase, students complete 12 months of clerkships at the clinical campus of Charlotte, Wilmington, Asheville or Central, which includes the Chapel Hill area.

During the Individualization Phase, students can customize their medical education and training with electives and research opportunities. Students also complete studies in social and health systems science, two internships, clinical experiences in critical care and the science of medicine, one advanced clinical experience and Transition to Residency coursework.

Out of the approximately 7,000 applicants to the medical school each year, around 190 matriculate into the entering class. The average MCAT score for matriculating students is 512. The average GPA for undergraduate science coursework is 3.79, and the average GPA for non-science coursework is 3.66.

Resident students in the medical doctorate program at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill School of Medicine paid $35,154 in tuition and fees for the 2021 through 2022 academic year. For out-of-state students, tuition and fees amounted to $63,114.

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20. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

The Pritzker School of Medicine, part of the University of Chicago in Chicago, IL, appeals to students who are interested in scholarship as well as clinical practice. Scholarship & Discovery is part of the curriculum for three out of the four years of med school. Students interested in scholarship may pursue further exploration of scholarly tracks in the fields of medical education, community health, global health, clinical research, health services and data science, basic and translational science, health care improvement science or basic/translational sciences.

In their first semester, students complete basic science coursework and a Scholarship & Discovery elective in a subject like Improving Scientific Communication & Addressing Misinformation or oncology-associated research. Year two of medical school builds upon students’ foundation of preclinical coursework with classes in areas like pharmacology, medical neurobiology, clinical pathophysiology and therapeutics and clinical skills. The third year is the clerkship year, when students complete clinical experiences in medicine, surgery, psychiatry, neurology, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology. In their fourth year, students complete an Emergency Medicine senior rotation at the University of Chicago ER or at the NorthShore ER, as well as an inpatient sub-internship and elective learning experiences.

RELATED: Does an ER Doctor Receive Any Special Training in Medical School?

U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Chicago as tied for 20th on its list of the best medical schools for research and tied for 30th among the best medical schools for primary care. The University of Chicago as a whole also claimed a spot (tied for 16th place) on the 2019 Forbes list of America’s Top STEM Schools for Women.

For the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago, U.S. News & World Report listed an acceptance rate of 3.2% in 2022. The most recent entering class reported a cumulative GPA range of 3.3 to 4.0 and a science GPA range of 3.2 to 4.0. The range of MCAT score percentiles for matriculated students encompassed the 68th to 100th percentile.

Under the 2022 through 2023 cost of attendance, MD students at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine paid $58,836 for their first and second years of medical school (each consisting of three quarters) and $78,063 for their four-quarter third and fourth years of study. Tuition costs increase by approximately 2%–4% each year, so don’t be surprised if your later years of schooling cost more than third- and fourth-year students are paying during the year you enroll in the program.

View program details.

21. University of Washington School of Medicine

The University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, WA, is a public medical school primarily for students in the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho region of the U.S. From U.S. News & World Report, the institution earned the ranking of the best medical school in the nation for primary care and the ninth best medical school for research. The publication also ranked the University of Washington School of Medicine #1 in the specialty of family medicine, #6 in the specialty of pediatrics, #10 among the schools with the most graduates practicing in primary care, #20 among schools with the most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas and #22 among schools with the most graduates practicing rural medicine.

The first phase of the MD program, the Foundations portion of the curriculum, consists of coursework in molecular and cellular biology, clinical invaders and defenders, circulatory systems, energetics and homeostasis, musculoskeletal systems and blood and cancer. This stage of the program takes up the first two years of the medical school curriculum. Students complete this coursework at locations in one of six regional sites: Seattle or Spokane in Washington, Laramie in Wyoming, Anchorage in Alaska, Bozeman in Montana or Moscow in Idaho.

During the patient care phase of the program in year three, students complete required clinical clerkships in specialties like family medicine, internal medicine, psychiatry, surgery, pediatrics and gynecology and obstetrics over the course of 42 weeks. Students’ fourth year of medical school instruction brings them to the third phase of the program, Explore and Focus, in which they complete required clinical clerkships in advanced patient care, emergency medicine and neurology and neurosurgery, as well as elective clerkships.

All practicing physicians in the United States are required to continue their medical training through residencies after they graduate medical school, but making this transition between med school and residency isn’t easy. One thing we like about the MD curriculum at the University of Washington School of Medicine is the Transition to Residency course students take in their fourth and final year of medical school.

The majority of accepted applicants had a GPA of 3.4 or higher and an MCAT score of 494 or higher. Of the 7,632 prospective students who applied in 2022, only 270 were accepted. Because the University of Washington School of Medicine was developed specifically to train physicians in the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho region, this medical education program strongly favors students from these states, with 96% of the entering class being residents of these states.

Tuition and fees data for the University of Washington School of Medicine is complicated, because the cost of attendance calculations differ not only by year of study but also between the different states represented in the region. Generally, the average tuition cost for the first, third and fourth years of study is slightly above $53,000. U.S. News & World Report lists an in-state full-time tuition rate of $39,906 and an out-of-state tuition rate of $70,569.

View program details.

22. Oregon Health and Science University

If you can’t wait to start your clinical training – and bring much-needed medical care to the people who need it most – Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR, might be for you. The school emphasizes early clinical experience and 18 “threads” of subject matter, ranging from cell biology and pharmacology to health policy, professionalism and communication, that are woven throughout the curriculum. One thing we love about Oregon Health and Science University is its emphasis on reaching underserved patients through the free, student-run Bridges Collaborative Care Clinic.

The MD curriculum at Oregon Health and Science University includes a Foundations of Medical Phase and a Clinical Experience Phase. Core clinical experiences in the program include internal medicine, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, neurology, surgery and psychiatry. Students must also complete a rural rotation and satisfy a continuity clinical experience requirement.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Oregon Health and Science University fourth in the nation among the best medical schools for primary care, second for the specialty of family medicine and tied for 32nd among the best medical schools for research.

Of the 6,700+ applications the Oregon Health and Science University received for its MD program, 570 applicants were offered an interview. Admissions offers were extended to more than 230 applicants. The entering class reported an average GPA of 3.65 for all subjects and an average GPA of 3.58 for undergraduate science coursework. The average MCAT score for the entering class was 509. The school gives “strong preference” to MD applicants who are Oregon residents and non-residents with Oregon Heritage. Although Oregon residents made up just 7% of all applicants, they made up 84% of the entering class.

Oregon Health and Science University charged first-year MD students a resident tuition rate of $11,537.00 and a non-resident tuition rate of $17,734.00 per term for the 2022 through 2023 academic year. The school promises not to raise tuition for students enrolled in the MD program throughout their education, as long as they complete the curriculum in a “reasonable timeframe.”

View program details.

23. University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health

Students pursuing their MD at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, WI, learn to practice medicine according to the school’s ForWard Curriculum. The program brings together a collaborative competency-based curriculum, team-based learning experiences, early entry into clinical clerkships and longitudinal coaching and practice opportunities. After starting the program with three course-focused semesters, students dive into a year of clinical rotations divided into four themes: Care Across the Life Cycle, Chronic and Preventive Care, Acute Care and Surgical and Procedural Care. During Phase 3, MD students spend the last 16 months of their program exploring careers through basic science elective courses and advanced clinical experiences, including required inpatient and ambulatory care internships.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Wisconsin as tied for 20th in the nation among the best medical schools for primary care and tied for 37th among the best medical schools for research. The publication also ranked this medical school fifth in the nation for the specialty of family medicine.

A major focus of the program is developing a physician workforce to improve health care for Wisconsin residents. As a result, preference is given to applicants from Wisconsin – so much so that at least 70% of the matriculating class each year consists of in-state students.

Of the 5,625 total applications the medical school received for its most recent entering class – 714 of which were submitted by Wisconsin residents – just 176 applicants eventually became part of the entering class. Wisconsin residents accounted for 123 of these spots, with only 52 spots going to out-of-state students. Students in the entering class reported an average GPA of 3.69 and an average MCAT score of 511.

Tuition and fees for resident medical students amounted to $41,130.00 for the 2022 through 2023 academic year. Students applying from out of state must pay a non-resident tuition add-on amount of $16,176.00.

View program details.

24. University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

The New Horizons MD Curriculum that guides physician preparation at the University of Iowa Roy. J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, IA, emphasizes the three “I’s”: innovation, integration and individualization.

Throughout the program, students focus on the interwoven aspects of the Mechanisms of Health and Disease, Medicine and Society, and Clinical and Professional Skills. Carver College of Medicine students begin their clinical experiences during their very first week of medical school, during their preclinical coursework, and start core clerkships at the end of their third semester. Completing their core clerkships early allows students to dedicate the final three semesters of their medical education to advanced, individualized learning experiences that include interdisciplinary coursework, elective clerkships and advanced inpatient sub-internships.

Students can also get involved in the CCOM Rural Iowa Scholars Program, which aims to prepare new physicians to provide care for patients in the 360+ Health Professional Shortage Areas that are located primarily in the rural areas of the state.

U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Iowa as tied for 16th place among the best medical schools in the nation for primary care and tied for 41st place among the best medical schools for research.

For the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, U.S. News & World Report put the acceptance rate at around 7%. Among the entering class of 2022, the average GPA was 3.79, and the average MCAT score was 513. However, more than two-thirds of the entering class of MD students – 100 out of the 143 total students – were Iowa residents. Iowa residents are considered in a separate applicant pool from out-of-state applicants and are given preference, with approximately 70% of each entering class being resident students.

Iowa residents aren’t’ only more likely to get accepted to the Carver College of Medicine – they also pay less for a medical education here. Medical student tuition and fees for the 2022 through 2023 school year amounted to $37,863 for residents and $58,638 for out-of-state students.

View program details.

25. Wayne State University School of Medicine

A fear that often plagues aspiring physicians is getting all the way through medical school only to fail to secure a residency match – effectively preventing you from getting to practice medicine. If you worry about your future residency match, consider applying to Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan, which boasts a 99% total success match rate that’s significantly better than the national average.

The urban medical school landed spots in the top 100 on U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of medical schools for both research (tied for 68th place) and primary care (tied for 86th place).

The school’s traditional MD curriculum follows the Highways to Excellence curriculum, which includes organ systems-based coursework and clinical experiences throughout the curriculum and opportunities for service-learning, research, teaching and community engagement. The curriculum at Wayne State University School of Medicine emphasizes compassionate and high-quality patient care, professionalism and an obligation to work to decrease health disparities. Required clerkships include surgery, internal medicine, family medicine, psychiatry, neurology, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology. The school also offers a three-year MD program.

Wayne State University School of Medicine received 8,017 applications to the MD program in 2022 and ultimately accepted 300 students, nearly two-thirds of whom were in-state students. MCAT scores for MD students entering as part of the Class of 2026 ranged from 504 to 518, and undergraduate GPAs of these students ranged from 3.51 to 3.98.

Tuition and fees for MD students in any year of study at Wayne State School of Medicine amounted to $39,502 for Michigan residents and $67,200 for non-resident students for the 2022 through 2023 school year.

View program details.

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Bachelor’s degrees and above tend to give graduates a higher earning potential compared to an associate degree. However, an associate degree can also put students on the path to a career with a high median salary.

Associate degrees in the right fields can help you get a job with earning potential way above the national average salary for an associate degree or even a four-year degree. If you have been thinking that you can’t earn much with only a two-year degree, the highest-paying associate degree jobs can land you a job with a median annual wage well above what you would expect.

What Are Associate Degrees?

Commonly called a two-year degree, an associate degree is an undergraduate degree usually awarded by community colleges and junior colleges. An associate degree is the first level of college degree a student could earn after getting their high school diploma. Typically, an associate degree requires just 60 credits of college coursework, compared to the 120 credits needed to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree.

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree?

Associates degree programs offered by a community college can prepare you for direct entry into the job market or for further study at a four-year college or university. Some of the types of associate degree programs available are Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. Associate degree jobs exist in all fields, including highly technical areas like healthcare, engineering and computer technology.

How Much Can I Earn in Associate Degree Jobs?

Your income potential with an associate degree varies according to the subject you study and the job you pursue with it. The best-paying associate degree jobs pay significantly more than the average job you can get with any old associate degree.

As of 2021, the median weekly earnings for full-time American workers with an associate degree was $963, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. This weekly wage translates to a median salary of $50,076 per year. That’s considerably more than workers with only a high school education made – $809 per week, or $42,068 per year. However, it’s still significantly less than the $1,334 per week, or $69,368 per year, median annual wage for workers with a bachelor’s degree.

These figures only represent the overall midpoint salaries for workers with each level of education, not the upper limits of your earning potential with an associate’s degree. Some of the highest-paying associate degree jobs correspond to median salaries that approach or even exceed the median wage for workers with a bachelor’s degree.

RELATED: 50 Highest Paying Associate Degrees 

The lowest-paying associate degree job on our list still has a median salary in the mid- to high-$50,000 range. Most of the jobs listed below have a median yearly salary in the $60,000 to $80,000 range, and a couple of these well-paying associate degree jobs pay even more. In fact, one particularly high-paying associate degree job reported a six-figure median wage. In terms of median annual wage, job prospects and job satisfaction, these well-paying associate degree jobs can constitute a rewarding career.

What Are the Highest Paying Associate Degrees?

Your ability to earn particularly good money with an associate degree depends on the field you study and the career to which you apply your education. If you want the best earning potential, you need the best associate degrees for top-paying job roles.

High-paying associate degree options include healthcare degrees that don’t require an advanced education, such as several types of medical technology and imaging programs. Other tech-related degrees can prepare workers for several of the best associate degree jobs.

Can You Earn an Associate’s Degree Online?

Associate’s degrees are widely available online. Studying online can add flexibility and convenience to your educational pursuits, especially if you don’t want to quit working to go back to school. Online associate degree programs often allow students to pursue their degrees on their schedule, although some schools do offer online options that include real-time virtual class meetings for students who prefer the feel of face-to-face interactions.

RELATED: 24 Fastest Online Associate’s Degrees 2021

However, not all programs of study are easy to find in fully online formats. Some of the best-paying associate degree jobs require a good deal of clinical experience or field experience. If you choose one of these associate degree programs, you may need to pursue a degree through a traditional in-person program. If you do find online associate degree programs in majors that require in-person experience, you may be able to complete coursework online and hands-on experiences in-person at field placement sites.

The Top Paying Jobs With Associate Degrees

High-paying jobs with an associate degree are out there – if you know what subjects to study and what path to pursue. The 10 associate degree jobs listed below offer exceptional earning potential.

1. Air Traffic Controller

If you’re not intimidated by the stress of coordinating the paths and movements of planes and other aircraft to prevent collisions (and close calls), you could put your associate degree to work in the role of air traffic controller. This high-paying path is one of the best associate degree jobs you could earn.

The vast majority of air traffic controllers work for the Federal Aviation Administration, the government agency that is responsible for enforcing aircraft regulations and keeping air travel safe bFy delivering landing instructions to approaching planes. Air traffic controllers may work as tower controllers or approach and departure controllers, typically in and near major airports, or as en route controllers at facilities that aren’t adjacent to airports.

An associate degree is one of several potential paths to a career as an air traffic controller. However, not just any degree will prepare you for this profession. Aspiring air traffic controllers should look for an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, or AT-CTI, program that is approved by the FAA. There are more than two dozen active FAA-approved AT-CTI programs across the United States. Since AT-CTI programs may award either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree, students should do some research before applying to make sure that the AT-CTI program they’re pursuing is the right fit for their planned career path.

RELATED: How to Become an Air Traffic Controller: What Degree Do I Need?

In addition to an associate degree from an AT-CTI program, air traffic controllers must complete FAA academy training before age 31, pass both an FAA pre-employment test and the Air Traffic Controller Specialists Skills Assessment Battery and meet other qualifications.

Yearly Salary for Air Traffic Controllers

Based on median annual wage, air traffic controller is the highest-paid of all associate’s degree jobs.

The median air traffic controller salary in 2021 was $129,750, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For the 91% of air traffic controllers working for the federal government, the median annual salary was $137,380. However, air traffic controllers earn much lower (though still well above average) salaries when they work in support activities for the air transportation industry , with a median annual wage of $79,580.

2. Medical Technician or Technologist

You probably think of most medical professionals as having an advanced degree, but there are jobs in the medical field with only an associate’s degree. In fact, nearly half of the highest paying associate degree jobs on our list fit into the healthcare field in some way, including the second-most lucrative job group, medical technicians and technologists.

Medical technologists and technicians is an occupational group that includes radiation therapists, nuclear medicine technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, radiologic technologists and more.

RELATED: What Associate’s Degrees Are Good for a Career in the Health Care Industry?

You can’t be a doctor with an associate degree, but you can work in several roles that require less extensive knowledge of medicine and confer less autonomy. Aside from the other healthcare-related roles on our list, most of the associate’s degree jobs in the medical field are technician- and technologist-level jobs.

Medical technician and technologist jobs often involve using specialized medical equipment for clinical purposes. Medical technologists and technicians may perform X-rays, care for patients recovering from heart attacks, provide assistance to those with difficulty breathing and use special equipment to administer tests physicians use to diagnose patients for the purpose of treating their medical conditions.

Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists operate machines that administer radiation treatments. Radiation therapy is most commonly used in the treatment of cancer patients but may also be used in certain diagnostic tests. In their associate degree program, a radiation therapist studies the procedures used to safely and effectively administer radioactive drugs and the underlying scientific theories of how radiation works in disease treatment.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Another high-paying associate degree job in medicine is nuclear medicine technician or technologist. Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs and medications and administer these drugs to patients in clinical settings. These radioactive drugs may be used for special diagnostic imaging tests or to treat known medical conditions. Most nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Diagnostic medical sonographers, also called ultrasound technicians, operate imaging machines that use sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. A diagnostic medical sonographer may work in a variety of medical specialties. Diagnostic medical sonographers may perform imaging scans for diagnostic purposes or for the purpose of assisting with medical interventions, like biopsies, injections and surgical procedures.

Cardiovascular Technologist

Cardiovascular technologists perform imaging and testing that involves the patient’s heart and lungs. Performing electrocardiogram (EKG) tests is one job duty that cardiovascular technologists might perform. Cardiovascular technologists may also prepare patients to undergo open-heart surgery and other heart-related procedures. During cardiac procedures, cardiovascular technologists may help physicians monitor patients. Cardiovascular technologists need an associate degree in cardiovascular technology.

Radiologic or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist

Diagnostic medical sonographers aren’t the only technologists and technicians who use special imaging equipment. Radiologic and MRI technologists also conduct imaging tests, but they use different types of imaging equipment.

Radiologic technologists, also called radiographers, perform imaging in the form of X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, which involve radiation waves. MRI technologists produce images using magnetic resonance imaging machines.

These diagnostic tests both let physicians see what’s going on inside the body, but the specialized medical equipment utilize different types of imaging technology and show different structures of the body. Magnetic resonance imaging equipment uses magnets and radio waves to produce images of structures in the body that don’t appear well in X-ray images. Radiologic and MRI technologists both play a critical role in the health care system.

Respiratory Therapist

You can also use an associate degree to become a respiratory therapist or a medical equipment repairer.

Respiratory therapy refers to therapeutic medical intervention to help patients who suffer from difficulty breathing. A person with a serious lung illness or injury, for example, may be in need of respiratory care that only trained respiratory therapists can provide. Respiratory therapists perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause and extent of a patient’s difficulty breathing. As part of the patient’s treatment plan, respiratory therapists also administer treatments to patients who need assistance with breathing.

Medical Equipment Repairer

Medical equipment repairers do the work to install, test, calibrate, maintain and fix medical equipment used in hospitals and doctors’ offices. Aspiring medical equipment repairers commonly pursue an associate degree in biomedical technology or a related field. In an Associate of Applied Science degree in biomedical technology, students spend two years learning about the electrical equipment, electronics and computer technology used in medical procedures and diagnostic testing. Students of biomedical technology programs learn the proper procedures for testing equipment and performing routine maintenance work as well as cultivating the skills to repair equipment when it isn’t working properly.

Medical Technicians and Technologists’ Salary

Radiation therapists are probably the best-paid technologists and therapists with an associate’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median radiation therapist salary of $82,790 in 2021.

For nuclear medicine technologists, the median annual salary in 2021 was $78,760. Diagnostic medical sonographers earned a median annual salary of $77,740 in 2021 – only very slightly more than MRI technologists. MRI technologists reported a 2021 median annual salary of $77,360.

The median annual respiratory therapist salary was $61,830 in 2021. Radiologic technologists earned a median wage of $61,370 as of 2021. For cardiovascular technologists and technicians, the median annual salary in 2021 was $60,570.

Medical equipment repairers reported earning a median annual salary of $49,910 in 2021.

3. Dental Hygienist

Another lucrative healthcare field you can work in with just an associate degree is dental hygiene. If you have ever been to any dental office or clinic, you have probably seen a dental hygienist. In fact, patients often spend more time with their dental hygienists than they do with their dentists. These dental health professionals examine, clean, polish and take X-ray images of patients’ teeth. During the examination, these healthcare professionals also check for signs of oral diseases.

An associate’s degree in dental hygiene isn’t your average associate degree. While most associate degrees are two-year degree programs, an associate degree for dental hygienists typically takes three years of study, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and it includes a great deal of clinical coursework. Aspiring dental hygienists should choose one of the more than 300 dental hygiene programs that has earned accreditation from the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation.

RELATED: Best Major for Dentist: What Major Do You Need to Be a Dentist?

In addition to a dental hygiene associate’s degree, dental hygienists need a state license to start cleaning teeth in a professional position. Earning this license typically requires passing scores on both written and clinical licensing tests.

Dental Hygienist Salary

The median salary for dental hygienists in 2021 was $77,810 per year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. However, for dental hygienists who work for the government – only about 1% of the occupation – the median annual wage is considerably lower, at $64,110.

4. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses, or RNs, are a critical part of the healthcare system – and another of the highest paying associate degree jobs. RNs work in just about every medical specialty and every type of medical facility. They provide direct clinical care to patients using the nursing model of care, which emphasizes holistic patient care over the disease-focused medical model used by doctors and physician assistants.

An RN’s exact job duties may vary considerably depending on their specialty and work setting. However, registered nurses commonly perform tasks such as monitoring and observing patients, administering medications and other types of treatments and answering questions and educating patients on their care and treatment plan. If you have ever been in the hospital, it’s likely that you have relied on nurses to administer the medication your doctor has prescribed, check on your wellbeing throughout your state, keep your notes and charts up to date and otherwise help you as needed, while your doctor may have only seen you when making certain rounds or performing certain procedures.

RNs can approach the career from a few different educational paths, ranging from non-degree diploma or post-secondary certificate programs to bachelor’s degree programs. Education is becoming increasingly important for RNs. Many students see an Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, as a good middle ground that will allow them to prepare for the career quickly but will offer more extensive training and education than a diploma program. Some nurses get started by pursuing an associate’s degree, getting their nursing license and then going back to school – often taking advantage of employer tuition benefits – to complete their bachelor’s degree through an RN-to-BSN program.

Like other healthcare and medical professionals, nurses need a license to practice. Only once they attain their nursing license are they qualified as a registered nurse. Generally, becoming an RN requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), as well as meeting all state licensing requirements.

Annual RN Salary

For registered nurses in 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual salary of $77,600. On the high end of the salary range, nurses who work for the government – about 5% of the occupation – earned a median annual salary of $85,970. Hospitals, which employ more than 60% of nurses, paid a median annual salary of $78,070. The lowest paying industry for registered nurses was educational services, which accounted for 3% of the occupation and paid a median annual salary of $61,780.

5. Web Developer

Everyone has an Internet presence nowadays, and that’s good news for one of the highest-paid associate degree jobs. Web developers are the computer and information technology professionals who design and implement the technical architecture and features of a website.

While developers may concentrate on either the back-end framework of the website or the front-end layout, features and content, a good web developer possesses both computer and technology skills and skills in creative design. Web developers create websites using computer programming languages. They may build the technical construction of the website from scratch or go into the code of existing websites to make minor or major changes.

Unlike the other associate’s degree jobs that have appeared on our list so far, the web developer occupation isn’t regulated. You don’t need a license to work as or call yourself a web developer, and the education requirements that can lead to this career is also a lot more flexible. It isn’t so much that the position requires two-year degrees, in a strict sense, as it is that professionals working in this field need strong computer skills.

What you really need to be a web developer are the skills required to perform the technical work of building websites and sufficient qualifications – which can range from degrees and formal professional certifications to a portfolio of sites you have designed and developed – to convenience a prospective employer or client to hire you.

Some website developers have only a high school diploma but have cultivated extensive knowledge of computer programming independently or through non-degree courses. Teaching yourself to code isn’t easy, however. Having some formal education, like an associate degree, is still popular among website developers. Potential majors for an aspiring web developer include computer science, computer programming or web design or digital design specifically. Some students even approach the field as graphic arts majors. Whatever major you choose, you should focus on developing your knowledge of popular programming languages, including HTML, SQL and JavaScript.

Web Developers’ Salary

For web developers, the median annual salary the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported for 2020 was $77,200. Website developers in some industries earn a great deal more money. In the publishing industry, excluding Internet publishing, the median annual salary was $123,870. Unfortunately, this industry accounts for less than 10% of the profession as a whole. The good news is that even the lowest paying of the top employing industries for web developers, the management, scientific and technical consulting services industry, still paid a median annual salary of $70,790.

6. Engineering Technician

Engineering refers to the use of scientific and mathematical concepts in the design of a variety of different types of solutions to real-world problems. While you need a bachelor’s degree to be an engineer, an associate degree is sufficient to become an engineering technician. Just as engineering jobs are some of the most lucrative job prospects with a four-year degree, engineering technician jobs are some of the highest paying jobs with associate’s degrees.

Technicians work alongside fully qualified engineers and assist them in the work needed for the design process. For example, engineering technicians might set up and run tests, examine and assemble equipment, compile data, analyze construction and design plans and draft lab reports that contain the findings of their tests.

RELATED: Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math

There are many different disciplines and subdisciplines of engineering, and there are also different kinds of engineering technicians. Earning potential for engineering technicians varies according to the branch of engineering in which they work. Engineering technology professionals work closely with fully qualified engineers in their respective fields.

Aerospace Engineering Technician

Aerospace engineering is concerned with engineering vessels, systems and processes for aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians install instruments and equipment in aircraft and spacecraft and facilitate tests of craft and their systems and equipment. These instruments and equipment systems are developed by aerospace engineers.

Electrical Engineering Technician

Electrical engineering technology has to do with electrical and electronic equipment and systems of all kinds, from computers to medical monitoring devices. Electrical engineering technicians often build electrical components and systems, appliances and instruments and handle matters of writing product design specifications and checking for quality control.

Electronics engineering technicians focus on the work needed to support the design of electronic units, equipment and components. For example, an electronics engineering technician might assemble electronic circuitry, use machine and power tools to create the components of electronic equipment and build prototypes.

Mechanical Engineering Technician

Mechanical engineers apply the principles of engineering design to any machine, process or system that moves. Similarly, mechanical engineering technician is a broad occupation in which the technician may work on projects that range from engines to tools and medical devices. Mechanical engineering technicians run tests, create computer-designed drawings of parts and their assembly process and assemble mechanical components.

There are also electro-mechanical engineering technicians who bring to their work a combination of knowledge of both mechanical and electrical technologies.

Industrial Engineering Technician

Industrial engineers focus on the efficiency of production processes. Industrial engineering technicians support these efforts by gathering data, recommending changes that could improve efficiency and creating charts, diagrams and other materials to plan and illustrate layouts and processes.

Civil Engineering Technician

Civil engineering technicians play important roles in the design of infrastructure of all kinds. Civil engineers are responsible for developing everything from roads and bridges to airports and water treatment facilities. Civil engineering technicians may handle job duties like conducting field surveys, using computer-aided design software to create project plans and drawings and testing construction materials.

Environmental Engineering Technician

Environmental engineers apply engineering principles to the design of environmental solutions. Environmental engineering technicians support these efforts in a variety of ways. Some of the job duties environmental engineering technicians may perform include collecting samples of environmental specimens in the field and preparing and operating field equipment to support the work of environmental engineers.

Technicians in other areas also assist engineers in their work. For example, geological and petroleum engineers may rely on the assistance of geological and petroleum technicians, who help install equipment and gather and test samples of natural resources for the purpose of identifying deposits of natural gas.

It’s important for prospective engineering technicians to choose a major that fits their specific area of career interest. For example, you might major in civil engineering technology if you want to assist with the design and construction of roads and bridges or in environmental engineering technology if you want to apply your work to the solutions of environmental problems.

Engineering Technicians’ Salary

Earning potential for engineering technicians depends on the discipline of engineering technology in which you work. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians earn the most money, with a median annual salary of $73,580 in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Electrical and electronics engineering technicians have the next highest earning potential, with a median annual salary of $63,640.

Engineering technicians and technologists in three disciplines earn median salaries right around the $60,000 mark. The median annual salary for mechanical engineering technicians and technologists was $60,460, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a $60,360 electro-mechanical technician salary and a $60,220 industrial engineering technician salary.

For civil engineering technicians, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual salary of $58,320. The lowest paying of the major disciplines that employ engineering technicians and technologists is environmental engineering, for which the median annual salary in 2021 was just $48,390. For geological and petroleum technicians, who the Bureau of Labor Statistics actually classifies as part of the life and natural sciences occupational group rather than the engineering occupation, the median annual salary was $48,390.

7. Avionics Technician

One of the best associate degree jobs revolves around the maintenance and repair of aircraft. An avionics technician is a maintenance and repair professional who addresses the specific needs of airplanes, helicopters and other types of aircraft and their parts – including engines, electrical systems, and hydraulic systems. An avionics technician may be a generalist, performing maintenance and repairs on all types of aircraft and all systems, or a specialist who focuses on one type of aircraft or system within a craft.

Some of the responsibilities of an avionics technician include repairing or replacing parts and components when they malfunction or when they are due for regularly scheduled maintenance under the regulations imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration. It’s important that avionics technicians maintain detailed and accurate records of all maintenance and repair work they perform on an aircraft.

Avionics technicians perform work that includes installing instrument panels and putting together electrical control components. To check for and diagnose problems in aircraft, avionics technicians perform tests of a plane’s electronic instruments and analyze flight test data. An avionics technician must be comfortable working with various kinds of installation tools. Installing and running computer software is part of the job, but so is using hand tools and power tools to install instrument panels and applying voltmeters and circuit testers to check the function and performance of a craft’s electronic instruments.

An associate’s degree is the most common entry-level education for avionics technicians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You should look for a specialized degree if you want to work in this field. For example, you might major in aircraft electronics, aviation maintenance, avionics technology or electronic engineering technology with a specialization in avionics.

Avionics Technician Salary

The median yearly salary the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported for avionics technicians as of 2021 was $69,280. The highest paying industry for avionics technicians, the aerospace product and parts manufacturing industry, paid a median yearly salary of $78,700, while the median salary for the lowest paying of the top employing industries, support activities for the air transportation industry, reported a median wage of $60,460.

8. Computer Network Support Specialist

You want to work in the computer field, but you want to do more than just provide tech support to users who aren’t so tech-savvy. A career as a computer network specialist may be the right fit. In this computer support role that is one of the highest-paying associate degree jobs, your focus isn’t on the technical issues that individual users encounter but rather on the maintenance and performance of entire computer networks.

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

Your work in computer network support encompasses everything from undertaking regular maintenance tasks that keep computer networks running to testing and troubleshooting network problems when they arise.

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

The best associate degrees for working in a computer network support specialist role include computer science, information technology (IT), information security, computer networking systems and system administration. However, since this career isn’t one that requires a license or a particular major, you may qualify for this role if you have taken a few computer courses in these areas, even if you majored in another field of study.

Learn more about what degree you need to be a computer technician.

Computer Support Specialists’ Salary

For computer network support specialists, the median wage as of 2021 was $62,760, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The telecommunications industry, which accounted for 12% of the computer support specialists profession, paid the highest median annual salary, $76,910. The computer systems design and related services industry, which is the single largest employment industry for the role and makes up 20% of jobs in this occupation, paid the lowest median annual salary of all top employing industries, at $61,390.

9. Physical or Occupational Therapy Assistant

Another high-paying career in health care with an associate’s degree is physical or occupational therapy assistant. In either of these roles, you would do the fulfilling work of helping to rehabilitate patients who have suffered injuries or illnesses.

Most people have heard of physical therapy. Physical therapists provide therapeutic treatment of injury to restore function and mobility using exercise and other physical methods of intervention instead of pharmaceuticals or surgical procedures. Another form of rehabilitative therapy, occupational therapy, is somewhat less well-known but is just as important.

Generally, physical therapy pertains to exercises and treatments intended to improve strength and mobility and reduce pain, while occupational therapy emphasizes the skills for daily living. Since physical therapy has more to do with movement in general, this rehabilitative therapy tends to focus more on gross motor skills, or using large muscle groups. On the other hand, occupational therapists work closely with patients to develop the fine motor skills used for daily life activities like eating, bathing and dressing oneself.

You can’t become a physical or occupational therapist with an associate’s degree, but you can get a job as a physical therapy assistant or an occupational therapy assistant. In these roles, you provide direct support to patients in their physical or occupational therapy by observing and helping them with exercises. Both physical and occupational therapy assistants use and teach patients how to use equipment, such as walkers and modified dining utensils, respectively, under the direction of licensed physical and occupational therapists.

There are specially accredited associate’s degree programs for both physical therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants. Although these roles are related, their areas of focus and the coursework required for the distinct associate degree programs are different. Both of these careers are regulated and typically require some form of state licensure.

Physical or Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary

The median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in 2021 was $61,730, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The 7% of occupational therapy assistants working in the home healthcare services industry had the best earning potential, with a median yearly salary of $75,070. For occupational therapy assistants in the educational services industry – approximately 5% of the profession – the median wage was only $49,920.

Among physical therapy assistants, the median wage reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2021 was $61,180. Again, the home healthcare industry pays the best, with a median wage of $76,600 reported for this industry that employs 9% of the profession. For the 5% of physical therapy assistants who work for physicians’ offices, the median yearly salary was $58,190.

10. Legal Assistant

Legal assistants and paralegals aren’t lawyers, but they are an important part of the legal industry. If you’re not ready to commit to going to law school and taking the bar exam – and you don’t love the idea of making arguments in a courtroom – this paraprofessional career may give you the best aspects of legal work without all the obligations.

Paralegals and legal assistants work under the guidance of licensed attorneys to investigate cases, conduct research, compile files of evidence and draft and file legal documents. Generally, these legal professionals aren’t authorized to give legal advice in the formal capacity that an attorney is, but they also aren’t required to be licensed.

An associate’s degree in legal studies typically covers the foundations of legal writing and conducting research, as well as ethics in the legal industry and the practice and procedures in civil and criminal areas of law.

Salary for Legal Assistants

The median annual salary for legal assistants and paralegals in 2021 was $56,230, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The best-paid legal assistants were the 5% of the field that worked for the federal government, for which the median annual salary was $69,680. For the legal services industry, which employed nearly three-quarters of paralegals and legal assistants, the median wage was only $48,270.

Boosting Your Earning Potential

Any of the high-paying jobs listed above offers strong earning potential, especially when they only require an associate degree. If you want to earn even more money, though, some options to consider are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, attaining formal professional qualifications and cultivating specialized and in-demand skills.

Go Back to School

Just because you started your career with only an associate degree doesn’t mean that you’re locked into this level of education for life. If you feel like you have gone as far as you can with “only” an associate’s degree, it may be time to go back to school. Earning a bachelor’s degree can help you increase your salary as well as your opportunities for career advancement.

Typically, you can transfer the credits you earned for your associate degree to the four-year college where you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree and graduate in as little as two years. An accelerated degree completion bachelor’s degree program may allow you to finish school even faster.

Pursue Professional Certification or Specialized Skills

In some professions, a professional certification is as valuable or even more valuable than a bachelor’s degree. Certification may require taking a course or an examination. Certification from a professional organization demonstrates not only your competency as established by an outside party but also your commitment to the field.

There’s no doubt that formal qualifications like a bachelor’s degree or a professional certification can help your earning potential. However, having proven skills in specialized areas – especially highly technical and relatively rare skills – can also help you earn more, even without these formal credentials. Take opportunities to develop specialized and in-demand skills, and your value in the job market will rise.

Related Resources:

Easiest Online Associate’s Degrees

50 Best Online Associate’s Degrees 2021

Will Only Having an Associate’s Degree Allow Me to Get a Nursing Job?

What Is the Demand for an Associate’s Degree in Engineering?

For Further Reading:

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

The post Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Individuals who plan to conduct research pursue a doctoral degree in their specialty. Whether your passion lies in accounting or oceanography, a doctorate demonstrates that you have attained the pinnacle in your profession. However, the number of doctorates awarded in science and engineering (S&E) exceeded non-S&E doctorates, according to 2105 data (National Science Foundation 2017).

The path to a Ph.D. can be a long and expensive proposition. The typical time-frame ranges from four to eight years. You must pass comprehensive exams and write an original research report called a dissertation. The examination is a test of your general knowledge of your chosen field and also your understanding of the intended area of research. At the doctoral level, this written or oral exam is the precursor to your research project.

Therefore, it is important that you ask yourself- why do I want to earn a PhD? As mentioned above, if you intend on academia or research as a career, then it is a wise decision to pursue a doctorate. These two careers will demand that you publish research papers on a regular basis. You should weigh the benefits against the time and expense of obtaining the degree. Perhaps a master’s degree will suffice if a higher salary is your motivation. Engineering with a master’s degree had a median income of $94,000, according to the site – Payscale. The occupation group of Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners had an average wage of $110,930 in 2017 with a Master’s degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some programs allow you to reduce the standard completion period to three years or less. Ultimately, less time studying equals more money saved on tuition. Also, you will be on your way to resume or seek employment with your new status as a “doctor.”

The following collection places the most emphasis on the time to complete the respective Ph.D. All of the degrees are available 100% online unless otherwise noted.

1. Boston University (BU)

Established in 1839 in Boston, the school has approximately 33,000 students taking degrees from bachelor to doctorates. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education categorizes them as an R1, meaning a school of high research activity. They have accolades from U.S. News & World Report (2018) for Online Graduate Programs in Business, Computer Information Technology, and Criminal Justice. Also, Times Higher Education ranked BU at sixth globally for employability of its graduates.

Their College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences or Sargent College, founded in 1881, houses their Department of Occupational Therapy. BU’s doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) is a post-profession degree for practitioners who want to advance their credentials. The structure of the curriculum allows professionals to continue working while earning their OTD. You can complete the ten online courses (33 credits) in a few as 18 months.

A sampling of the classes includes Health Promotion, Social Policy, Clinical Theory and Research, and two titled Outcomes Measurement & Monitoring. The curriculum concludes with a Capstone and a Doctoral Project.

Admission is subject to stringent qualifications. One of which requires U.S. students to have passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Safety exam.

Tuition: $896 per credit hour

2. Maryville University

The Religious of the Sacred Heart founded the school as a private academy in 1872 for young women and needy youths. In the 1920s, they became an accredited four-year institution. Today, The Higher Learning Commission accredits the St. Louis, Missouri institution. Also, they have accreditation with the Chicago-based North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Maryville is at the forefront of online nursing programs from the RN to DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). According to statistics, by 2025, there will be an estimated 164 million Americans with chronic illnesses. Couple this with a possible shortage of medical doctors creates a tremendous demand in the nursing profession. Those with master’s degrees and higher will benefit from escalating salaries into six figures.

Graduate nurses who have their MSN can complete their DNP in as few as 20 months. This doctorate provides the skills to work in various healthcare positions, including administration, policy analysis, and teaching.

The 100% online format requires no campus visits, no GMAT or GRE, and no wait list once accepted. Also, you can earn your required clinical hours at a healthcare facility near your residence.

Tuition: $897 per credit

3. Indiana State University

Founded in 1865, the university resides in Terre Haute on over 400 acres of treed campus. The school offers almost 300 academic programs with 70 available online to over 13,000 students. They have over 75 graduate  and over 100 undergraduate programs. ISU attracts students from all fifty states and over sixty-five countries. Forbes magazine acknowledges them as one of America’s Top Colleges and the Princeton Review calls them one of the Best in the Midwest.

The university has a doctorate in education or Ed.S. degree in School Administration for professionals in elementary to secondary school administration. This blended degree will enhance your master’s in education and boost your leadership skills in the public or private schools’ sector. Being a blended or hybrid format means you will have campus visits. The curriculum requires on-campus sessions three times each semester on Saturdays.

You must maintain a minimum of a  3.25 average grade throughout the 66 credit hours – beyond hours taken during your baccalaureate degree. There are a minimum of 27 hours required beyond your master’s degree at ISU. You may also start the program any semester, including the summer session. By successfully completing two to three courses per semester, you can graduate within 12 to 24 months. The maximum limit to complete the Ed.S. degree is eight years.

Tuition: $412 per credit hour (in-state); Eligible Out-of-State: $527

4. University of Arkansas

The university opened its doors in January 1872 with seven boys and one girl attending. Since its establishment, the institution flourished to become a top two percent research school, according to the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. U.S. News also includes them in their 2019 Best Online Bachelor’s, Grad Education, and Grad Engineering. As of fall 2017, the school had an enrollment of 27,558 students with 12,467 taking at least one online course.

Their accreditations are from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the Higher Learning Commission.

In the nursing field, U of A offers online accelerated programs in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to D.N.P. There are two concentrations in the BSN-DNP choice:

• Family Nurse Practitioner: Requires 78 credits for graduation, in addition to a minimum of 1,125 clinical practice hours.
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Also requires 78 hours, plus 1,035 clinical hours.

Full-time students can complete the former in four years, which includes 1,035 clinical hours. Note that you apply for the BSN to DNP after earning your bachelor’s degree. Similarly, you need an MSN to enter the MSN to DNP program.

The MSN-DNP takes two years full-time and three years part-time. The M.S.N. to D.N.P. has 500 clinical hours after completing your master’s degree.

Tuition: $560 per credit hour

5. Regis University

Founded in 1877 in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Regis moved to Denver in 1887. Currently, there are 11,411 online and on-campus students across five colleges and four campuses. Since its inception in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Regis has maintained it Jesuit Catholic Tradition, in honor of the Jesuit Saint, John Francis Regis.

Today, approximately 15,000 students receive their education from one of their five colleges. With accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission, the school offers 78 online programs. This format and on-campus classes help 89% of graduates find employment within six months of graduation.

The Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professionals operated in conjunction with the Loretto Heights College (LHC) until 1988. When LHC closed, Rueckert-Hartman College absorbed the nursing programs. The college offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). There are two specializations:

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): For nurses who have worked in an advanced clinical practice of healthcare.
• Advanced Leadership in Health Care (ALHC): Program is designed for nurses who are currently working in management or supervisory capacity, as well as those who aspire for leadership positions.

Graduates will have the skills to reach senior levels of management, become nursing educators, supervise direct patient care, and be involved in healthcare policy.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing accredits their nursing school.

The APRN and the ALHC provide accelerated completions of 24 months in the six-semester option versus the nine-semester that takes 36 months. Both have 31 semester hours, and each starts in May. No campus visits required.

Tuition: $890 per credit hour

6. Gwynedd Mercy University

GMercyU is a Catholic college founded by the Sisters of Mercy of Merion in 1948. The Sisters of Mercy was a Catholic order established in Dublin, Ireland, by Catherine McAuley. Their mission has never wavered to produce socially conscious and well-educated graduates, who are also globally aware of the needs of others.

The school is one of 17 Catholic colleges in the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. Situated in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, it became a four-year school in 1963. Currently, they offer over 30 undergraduate majors and 10+ graduate degrees to students from 34 states. Gwynedd boasts an average GPA of 3.14 and a 75% retention rate for first-year students from fall 2017 to fall 2018.

In 1982, the school offered its first graduate program in nursing. In 2013, they approved their first doctoral degree in nursing (DNP). Their accelerated online 39-credit Doctor of Nursing Practice expands the knowledge of clinical specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. The curriculum differs from Regis in that there is more emphasis on practical experience. The two-year degree has thirteen courses (39 credits) inclusive of 400 hours of practicum. There are 21 credits of core work and six classes or 18 credits are projects or internships.

Examples of the academic part of the curriculum are:

• Technology for Advanced Practice Nurses
• Leadership
• Organizational Behavior and Social Policy
• Statistical Analysis

Graduates of the GMercyU DNP will have increased clinical skills and leadership qualities beneficial to work in any healthcare facility. You will also have the ability to teach and mentor nurses enrolled in BSN and MSN programs.

Tuition: $903 per credit

7. Monmouth University

The private university, founded in 1933, has approximately 6,300 students-4,660 undergrads and 1,700 in graduate programs. The majority of students come from the northeast United States, the school’s locale. In 1956, they received accreditation to offer bachelors’ degrees. The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education granted them the status of a university in 1995.

The Princeton Review refers to the school as one of the best for the past fourteen years. U.S. News recognizes the institution on its annual list of Best Colleges, ranking in the top 40. They offer 32 bachelors and 24 graduate programs, plus an array of certificates to students from 31 states and 43 countries.

The university offers a hybrid or blended Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership. Therefore, this is not a 100% online learning format. The school integrates online classes with specified Thursday evenings and weekend sessions. For this format to work for students, you need to live near their West Long Branch, New Jersey campus. Monmouth believes the face-to-face time with the instructors is beneficial for students.

The Ed.D. curriculum consists of 54 credits covering five main topics associated with leadership. They are:

• Leadership and Learning
• Transformative Leadership
• Policies and Procedures
• Research and Assessment
• Transformative Leadership Project

The Transformation Leadership Project is a vital component of the coursework. At the end of the 6th semester, students present a dissertation based upon their readings, interviews of local leaders in education, as well as faculty. Beginning in the first year, students start compiling a portfolio of asked and answered questions, research materials, personal reflections on education, and scholarly articles related to leadership.

You submit the portfolio to the doctoral committee for review and approval. Once accepted, you proceed to complete the project as a written dissertation.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Learning accredits Monmouth University’s programs. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs approves the graduate programs in School Counseling (MSEd) and Mental Health Counseling (MS). The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accredits The School of Education. Other accreditations are at this link.

Tuition: $1,187 per credit; $1,199 (Summer Session)

8. Pittsburg State University

Since 1929, the university, located in Pittsburg, Kansas, has offered graduate degrees. Currently, the school has a range of online degree and certificate choices from bachelor to doctorate. Their recognized teaching excellence has attracted over 7,000 students from 36 states and 43 countries.

One feature highlighted by the university is their Flat Rate Tuition. It allows full-time students, enrolled in 12 hours or more, to add more hours with no change in tuition. The rate also includes Campus Privilege Fees that benefit only on-campus students for expenses like parking and access to the Health and the Recreation Center.

The university offers two doctorate programs in education leadership. The same admissions criteria apply to both degrees. Your application must indicate your leadership experience within an organization, writing skills, ability to collaborate and problem solve. The proof of leadership is an autobiographical description of roles where you have demonstrated this quality.

One is the Advanced Studies in Leadership (General School Administration) online Ed.S. degree. Students with a master’s degree in an education-related field are eligible for this 36-credit hours degree. By completing two courses each semester, students can complete the program in two years. The curriculum is 100% online-no campus visits needed.

This degree has three sections of the curriculum:

1. General School Administration: Consist of 12 hours of Leadership and 6 hours of Practicum Educational Systems Leadership.
2. Research: Twelve to fifteen hours cover educational statistics, computer applications, research skills, thesis, and research projects.
3. Leadership: These classes entail organizational theory, grant writing, and legal foundations of public education.

Graduates will have the skills to seek management positions in elementary and secondary school levels, as well as community or technical colleges.

The Kansas State Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation accredit this program. U.S. News ranks the Ed.S. in the Top 25 Best Online Graduate Education Programs.

Tuition: $382 per credit

9. Pittsburg State University

The other education leadership doctorate is the Ed.S. with a concentration in Special Education. The online 36-credit program is open to students who have completed a master’s degree in Special Education and meet additional criteria for admission. Students, subject to approval, may transfer up to nine hours of courses in special education. The same two-year completion time as the one above applies to this degree.

The special education core coursework focuses on teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their characteristics, and research strategies for teaching ASD classes. The other two categories of the curriculum are Research and Leadership Core Courses. These two sections, which are 12 to 15 hours each, follow the same courses as the above Ed.S. program.

Graduates will be eligible to work at the elementary and secondary school district levels.

Tuition: $382 per credit (includes $36 electronic fee)

10. Lamar University

Located in Beaumont, Texas, Lamar teaches over 15,000 students enrolled in more than 100 programs from bachelors to doctoral degrees. More than 2,500 live on the 292-acre campus situated 90 miles east of Houston. Founded in 1923 as South Park Junior College, the school took its name from Mirabeau B. Lamar, second President of the Republic of Texas. In 1970, the school offered its first doctoral program. The following year they officially became Lamar University.

Currently, over 300 students are enrolled in doctoral programs that recognize the institution as a Carnegie Doctoral Research University. They are one of just 29 public universities in the United States to receive this accolade.

Their College of Education and Human Development offers an online Doctoral Studies in Educational Leadership. With the accelerated format, you can complete the eight-semester Ed.D. in 2.5 years. During this time, you will specialize in Global Education Leadership, which will create leaders in education at the local, national, and international levels.

The 60-hour program consists of eleven Required (Major) Courses, five Research Courses, and four Dissertation courses. The core subjects cover ethics, leadership, global education, academic research writing, and multicultural educational trends.

Similar to most doctorate programs, there are strict admission requirements. For consideration, your master’s degree courses must have a GPS of 3.5 or more. Your GRE scores cannot be more than five years old. Other documents included at time of application is a letter addressing: the most important issue in education leadership. Your resume must have the details of all your education leadership experience.

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the university. The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate has recently accepted the university.

Tuition: $1,527 for 3 hours; $5,332 for 12 hours: Texas residents

11. East Carolina University (ECU)

Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU has over 100 online degree and certificate programs in business, technology, nursing, education, health, and more. Their undergraduate enrollment was 23,100 in the fall of 2018. The school offers 84 bachelors, 71 masters, 13 research doctoral, and five professional doctoral degrees. There are also 84 departmental certificates and 120 online degrees and certificates.

U.S. News ranks its online graduate programs in Education in the Top 10%. Graduate degrees in Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Rehabilitation Counseling are in the Top 25%, according to the same publication. Other honors include Best Business School, Best Medical School, and Green College, as reported by the Princeton Review.

The Brody School of Medicine offers two Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degrees:

1. Environmental and Occupational Health
2. Health Policy, Administration, and Leadership

Individuals with a Master of Public Health (MPH) and experience in this or a related field benefit from a shorter curriculum of 51 semester hours.

Option #1 is science-oriented. This choice splits into two specializations of Environmental or Occupational Health. Both are for nine hours. The former studies microbiology, food and water safety, public health pests, disease transmission, and water treatment. The occupational health topics examine the use of protective gear, ventilation systems, and elimination of toxic substances in the workplace.

The program has 15 hours of dissertation and concludes with six hours of field practicum.

Option #2 concentrates (18 hours) on leadership and health policy analysis. You will take courses in strategic planning, human resources, quality improvement, health information systems, policy analysis, disaster preparedness, and more. This option has the same hours of dissertation and field experience.

Students with the appropriate master’s degree and experience can finish either specialization in 2 to 2.5 years.

Tuition: $694 (part-time) per credit hour; $3,275 (full-time 9+ hours)

12. Hampton University

The university is proud of its humble beginnings under an oak tree in Hampton, Virginia. The tree later became known as the Emancipation Oak. At that spot in 1863, the Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation took place. One of its most distinguished graduates was Booker T. Washington who arrived in 1872 as a transient looking for work.

The institution has undergone name changes from the original Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute to Hampton Normal School in the 1880s to Hampton Institute to its present name change in 1984.

Aided by their membership in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, the school allows online degrees to other members. One of these programs is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Management. It is an accelerated 66-credit degree with the following concentrations:

• Higher Education
• Pre-K to 12 Education
• STEM Leadership
• Special Education

There are specific criteria to meet before applying. This Ph.D. program prefers applicants to have at least five years of work in a field related to the degree. Preference will be for students who have leadership experience or licensure in Special Education. The preferred employment background varies according to the concentration you select.
An accepted student may be able to transfer up to nine credit hours from an accredited college or university in courses you obtained a “B” or 3.0 grade or better.

The program consists of 22 courses; each one lasts nine weeks with a projected completion time of 2.5 years.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education authorizes their Division of Education.

Tuition: $695 per credit hour

13. Nova Southeastern University

Established in 1964, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is home for the university. In the 2017-18 school year, this private university had an enrollment of 20,793 students in over 150 programs. The shortlist includes pharmacy, nursing, optometry, education, law, business, physical and occupational therapy. U.S. News ranks the school in the Top 200 in their category of Best Colleges 2019.

The Department of Conflict Resolution Studies offers a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution that prepares you for careers as consultants, administrators, researchers, and evaluators. Graduates have the skills to function in conflict resolution as practitioners and theoreticians. They will also have leadership qualities and mastery of quantitative research analysis. The 76-credit hour program has a choice of four concentrations:

1. Community-based Conflict
2. Conflict in Organizations
3. Global Conflict
4. Interpersonal Conflict

Students have the option of full-time studies (9 credits per semester) or part-time (6 credits). The former allows students to complete the doctorate courses in 2.5 years, whereas part-time students take four years. The time-frame does not include the dissertation that follows the academic phase. Also, you may be able to transfer up to 15 credits from a Master’s degree in a similar field.

All online programs require students to attend two Residential Institutes (RI) each academic year for five days. The RIs typically occur in February and late September or early October.

Tuition: $1,095 per credit hour

14. Concordia University-Chicago

Founded in 1864 in nearby Addison, Illinois, Concordia is a private university located in River Forest, near Chicago, since 1912. They are members of the Concordia University System that comprises a national network of colleges. The schools have an affiliation with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

The College of Business offers a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) online and on campus. The DBA differs from a Ph.D. in that the former studies the theoretical aspect of business and leadership. Therefore, the DBA has a practical application for a professional in the business world. Concordia contends that the Ph.D. suits individuals who seek work in academia and research. Academically, the two degrees are equivalent.

The university recommends that applicants have five years of business experience. Admission requires a master’s degree in business or related field, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. One is a professional recommendation, and the other is academic. Interested candidates for this program must meet the stringent admission requirements, including a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in your master’s degree.

Concordia has four DBA specializations:

1. Innovation in Healthcare
2. Innovations in Human Resources
3. Leadership and Innovation
4. Marketing Innovations

These specializations have an accelerated online format that students can complete within three years. Furthermore, all of the business programs at the master’s and doctorate levels adhere to their Four Pillars of Knowledge. These emphasize the qualities of ethics, critical thinking, human relations, global inclusive, and communication.

There are three residencies spread over seven of the nine semesters. The initial one occurs in semester one during the first eight weeks. The second is during the first eight-week segment in semester four. The last one is in semester seven. Each counts for one credit of the 60-credits program. Each residency lasts four days.

Tuition: $960 per credit

15. University of Tennessee

The university, founded in 1794, is currently recognized for its research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in the Doctoral category. More recently, the current Knoxville College of Social Work began as the Nashville School of Social Work in 1942. With the expansion, the school moved to its present location in 1958.

The university changed the name to the College of Social Work in 1986. Today, they offer an online Master of Science in Social Work and an online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) for professionals eager to advance their present clinical practice and gain leadership skills. The accelerated online format allows social workers to continue working and maintain their personal life. The program uses both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous methods to present the coursework. Interactive media and video are part of the instructional features.

This doctorate targets those who have an average of ten to twelve years of experience in social work. By completing two classes per semester, you can complete the DSW in three years.

The program is not 100% online. There are required campus study sessions each summer for one week. The purpose is to discuss issues face-to-face with professors and peers. You also have the benefit of expanding your network of contacts and associates in the field of social work.

Graduates will have advanced skills as a clinician and a leader to expand their career opportunities. Some of the potential areas to showcase your expertise are in mental health clinics, government agencies, psychiatric facilities, rehabilitation programs, hospice care, and social services’ organizations.

The DSW program is a member of the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) in Social Work.

Tuition: $626 per credit hour: in-state; $1,637 out-of-state residents

16. University of the Southwest

Located in Hobbs, New Mexico, B. Clarence Evans founded the school as a source of Christian education. In 1956, Hobbs Baptist College began as a two-year junior college. A name change occurred in 1958 to become New Mexico Baptist College. The school adopted its present name in 1962.

The school offers three Bachelor’s degrees in Science, Arts and Sciences, and Business Administration. Their MBA has ten specializations, the MS in Education has nine concentrations, and there is one doctorate program. All graduate programs are available entirely online.

The College of Business Administration offers a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in three specializations. Each has distinctive coursework designed for executives with leadership experience. Each concentration prepares graduates for advancement in management positions in profit and non-profit companies, government, education, consulting, and civic organizations.

The three specialty areas are:

Strategy and Innovation

This option may suit those interested in corporate strategy and planning. The classes study marketing strategies and planning for a competitive advantage. Decision-making, data analysis, research methods, and human behavior are other courses. The program culminates in 12 hours of dissertation courses.

Leadership and Organizational Development

This area of study focuses on the practical aspect of leadership, problem-solving, and the application of research. The core classes in this specialty are the same as above except for the substitution of Global Financial Management (this option) for Human Resource Development. There are the same hours devoted to Dissertation courses.

Self-Design

This choice has the same core courses as the above, except this one includes Policy Analysis and Evaluation, instead of Marketing Strategies in the Leadership program. There is a focus on problem-solving for executives, and how research applies to challenges facing leaders in the business environment. Again, there are 12 hours of Dissertation.

Students can complete any of the above 100% online selections in three years part-time. The school offers all course materials and books with the cost of tuition. As a bonus, you receive a free laptop in your first class! Students could be eligible to transfer up to 12 credits from a Master’s degree in business or related field. Applicants must have a graduate degree from an accredited university and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The Higher Learning Commission accredits the school’s programs. The university is also a member of numerous councils and associations. One, in particular, is the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). The CCCU comprises an association of more than 150 campuses in the U.S. and Canada.

Tuition: $799- inclusive of all fees

17. Maryville University

In addition to the program mentioned above, the school has more choices in their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. The same feature applies: all are 100% online with no campus visits, no GMAT or GRE needed for admission, and no waiting once accepted. You can take the necessary clinical hours at a local facility.

Maryville offers a DNP-NP that you may complete within 36 months. Both the DNP and the DNP-NP (Nurse Practitioner) are terminal degrees. The addition of the letters “NP” means the nurse has received advanced education in medical procedures. Therefore, the specialty of a nurse practitioner is for nurses who want to be involved in direct patient care. In this capacity, they can prescribe medications, perform advanced procedures, and diagnosis patients’ medical condition.

All of the DNP programs at Maryville require students to have a MSN.

Tuition: $897 per credit hour

18. Maryville University

Founded in 1872, US News & World Report and Forbes magazine (2018) recognizes the university as one of America’s Best Colleges. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine ranks them as one of the best values in private colleges in 2018.

Nursing professionals who want to extend their education may consider one of the specializations in their DNP-NP 100% online programs.

One of the concentrations is a Family Nurse Practitioner, known in degree terms as the DNP-NP FNPC. The curriculum broadens your medical expertise into the treatment, prevention, diagnosis, counsel, and wellness of all family members. The courses cover pediatric to adult-gerontology care from a holistic perspective. The curriculum consists of 15 foundation courses, 18 hours of Capstone Courses, and 18 hours of FNP courses. In the latter, there are nine hours titled Clinical Inquiry.

19. Maryville University

The university has an NP in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP-NP AGPCNP). With the adult population living longer, the percentage of seniors over 65 keeps increasing. In 2010, statistics show that 13.1% of the U.S. population was over 65. By 2020, the number will be 16.9%, and by 2030, the projection is 20.6% or 71.5 million seniors over 65. This rise creates a demand for nurses specializing in gerontology.

The 62-credit online AGPCNP concentration consists of Foundation Courses (15 hours), Capstone (18), Core (17), and 12 hours of Adult-Gerontology. This program is for nurses who want to continue in clinical practice. You can complete the degree is less than 36 months.

The school also offers a BSN to DNP AGPCNP that you can graduate in a few as 36 months. There are 580 clinical hours you must complete over three semesters.

Another terminal degree Maryville has is similar to the one above. It involves geriatric care. However, the focus is on acute care. The degree is a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or DNP-NP AGACNP.

The curriculum follows the same categories as the Primary Care Gerontology program. The difference is in the courses specific to the respective concentration. The primary care has 12 hours of Adult-Gerontology NP, whereas the Acute Care NP has 18 hours. The additional hours include Acute Care Diagnosis, Diagnosis and Management (9 hours) and 6 hours of Practicum.

You can complete this doctorate in 36 months. Students with a BSN may consider the MSN + AGACNP program that takes an average of 40 months online.

20. Maryville University

You can put your compassion for children to use by earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Practitioner –Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP-NP PNP). This online program is another in the DNP family offered 100% online. The 65 credit curriculum has 15 hours of the pediatric nurse concentration covering courses in Health Promotion of the Pediatric Populations and twelve hours of Pediatric Assessment and Diagnosis, of which six hours is a Practicum.

Similar to the other DNP concentrations, this curriculum has 15 hours of foundation and 18 hours of Capstone courses, plus 15 hours of PNP courses.

You can earn this degree in as short as 36 months. There is also the BSN to DNP PNP program that has a completion time of 40 months. There are three starting months- January, May, and August.

Tuition: $897 per credit for all DNP programs

21. University of South Carolina

Thanks to Thomas Jefferson’s encouragement to expand the Southern public college teaching system, the school began in 1801. Enrollment flourished with the baby-boomer generation from 1960 to 1979. During that time-frame, the campus grew from 5,660 to 26,000 students.

It is one of forty-nine public universities to be a top-tier research institution according to the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits this 200-year old school to award bachelors to doctoral degrees.

The university offers an online 60-credit Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Educational Technology. Intended for teachers from K-12 and professional working for school boards, the completion time is 36 months. The study plan has four sections:

1. Core Curriculum & Instruction – Coursework examines the design and evaluation of technology used as a teaching method: 12 hours
2. Educational Technology Concentration – Covers the theory and practical application of technology as they related to the delivery of educational material: 15 hours
3. Research – Using analysis techniques, interpretation, and data collection, the courses examine research in educational technology: 12 hours
4. Cognate – Courses study the use of multimedia, including graphics, animations, simulations, as means of instruction: 9 hours
5. Dissertation Preparation – 12 hours

Students learn about the practical application of technology as an educational tool. You become versed in assessment techniques, such as interviews, performance reviews, and testing procedures.

Tuition: $37,123 for all applicants; $33,703 for South Carolina Certified Teachers

22. University of Bridgeport

Founded in 1927 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the university attracts students from 45 states and 80 countries. The school opened its doors as a two-year junior college. After World War II, attendance blossomed with veterans thanks to the GI Bill. Currently, the university has ten accreditations in various programs. Some of these are:

• The NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science) accredits the UB Medical Laboratory Science Program.
• The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits The Ernest C. Trefz School of Business.
• The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) accredits The College of Naturopathic Medicine.
• The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits The School of Education.

The school began offering online degrees in 1987 with the inception of a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition. Recently, U.S. News & World Report in 2018 recognized Bridgeport’s online programs among the best in the nation for the seventh consecutive year.

Their online Doctoral in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) is different than Lamar’s degree. Bridgeport’s is a specialization in International Education. The specialty should appeal to leaders in private and public learning institutions, education policy specialists, and researchers.

The curriculum teaches a range of topics including principles of leadership, organizational psychology, legal issues, methodologies in research, and program assessment.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree from an accredited college with a grade average of 3.0 or higher. Other requirements include two letters of recommendation – one from a colleague and one from a supervisor who attests for your leadership qualities. Another submission, with your application, consists of a 500+ word essay explaining why you want the degree along with your personal and professional accomplishments.

Subject to approval, you may transfer up to nine credits toward this 62-credit program. There are two residency requirements for one week each during the summer semesters. You can complete your doctorate in three years.

Tuition: $680 per credit hour + $2,000 Dissertation/Research & Advisement

23. Liberty University

Since its establishment by Reverend Jerry Falwell in 1971, Liberty has grown to encompass sixteen colleges with over 100,000 students. They offer over 550 programs including associate, bachelors, masters, graduate certificates, and doctoral programs. Their online programs expanded from the first program in 1985 to over 250 currently. Liberty also has an online Bible college-the Willmington School of the Bible.

Individuals working as professionals in law enforcement have the potential to advance their career and stature in this field with an online PhD. Liberty offers a doctoral degree in Criminal Justice at the Helms School of Government. The coursework studies juvenile justice, corrections, causes of crime, international crime, and terrorism. There is a choice of three areas of specialization:

1. General: Some of the classes entail terrorism, intelligence, stress management, and organized crime.
2. Homeland Security: Delves into cybercrime, cybersecurity, analysis and protection of computer systems and infrastructure, and counter-terrorism strategies.
3. Leadership: As the name suggests, you learn about law enforcement leadership, planning, strategizing, and human resources.

All of these options prepare you for a career as a professor, senior investigator, police, public policy advisor, and administrator or security consultant.

This online PhD is 60 credit hours with a target completion time of three years. Each course is eight weeks with eight start dates each year. You may be eligible to transfer up to 15 credit hours. Also, there are no set login times that allows each student to complete classes on his/her schedule.

Tuition: $595 (full-time); $650 (part-time)

24. Liberty University

The university also offers three concentrations under the heading of an Ed.D. degree. This particular doctorate is in Community Care and Counseling. The purpose of the coursework is to enhance your ability to write academic articles, treat and counsel clients, and diagnose in a clinical setting. The 100% online program is meant to complement your Christian mindset. You can complete this degree in as few as three years.

The three choices of specialization are:

Marriage and Family

For individuals who want to enter or magnify their skills counseling couples and families. Students examine the application of theories and principles concerning the dynamics and relationships within the family structure. You learn effective counseling techniques to address the psychological issues that arise within families. Part of the curriculum includes the submission of a research paper based on the student’s theories and experience as a family counselor.

(Learn more about what degree you need to be a holistic counselor.)

Pastoral Care and Counseling

This option continues in the vein of family and marriage therapy. This program may interest those who are licensed family therapists and social workers. The predominant theme running through the curriculum is the moral standards and ethics preached throughout the Bible. Students must also write a paper about their perception of ethics and its significance in counseling.

Traumatology

The courses cover various types of trauma affecting children, adolescents, and adults. Some of these are sexual abuse, PTSD, emotional abuse, neglect, terrorism, date rape, and domestic violence. Students study the physical and psychological damage caused by traumatic events. They also learn about the science behind the delivery of different counseling techniques.

The concentration has four Discussion Forums that requires writing a 400-500 word paper on the topic discussed in a specific forum. The context of the report is based on a review of research articles and the student’s exchange of ideas with peers.

Another crucial component of Traumatology is a PowerPoint presentation of a 40-slide that must include a bibliography of research materials, books, and biblical references. This 150 point graphic presentation is one of seven components of the program that total 1010 points.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits Liberty University.

Tuition: $$595 (full-time); $650 (part-time)

25. Walden University

Walden is a mecca for online degree-seekers. Over 55,000 students from 50 states and 145 countries rely on this institution for their degree. These programs involve criminal justice, education, psychology, management, public health counseling, nursing, public administration, and social and human services. The National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA) approves their criminal justice programs. The Higher Learning Commission accredits all degree programs.

One of their online doctoral degrees is a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. This program does require at least two residency sessions. You must complete Residency 1: the first face-to-face in term 1 or 2. Residency 2 and 4 have the option of a virtual session, subject to completing the requisite courses. There is also an optional Ph.D. Dissertation Intensive Retreat. Candidates meet to discuss their respective dissertations with faculty and peers. As an example, for the months June through November 2019, there are four-five day retreats at popular hotels within the U.S.

The school allows the transfer of up to 38 credits as a means to accelerate your degree. Another feature is Walden’s Fast-Track option. This choice provides a faster completion by taking three courses per term. The traditional format is two courses each term. You may be able to graduate within 24 to 36 months, depending on the number of courses completed each term. The fast track benefits those who have earned a master’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.

Both the traditional and fast track offer these concentrations in this Ph.D. criminal justice program:

• General Program
• Emergency Management
• Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
• Justice Administration
• Online (Criminal Justice) Teaching in Higher Education
• Global Leadership
• Law and Public Policy
• Public Management and Leadership

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1.) Auburn University

Auburn University Is it public school located in Auburn, Alabama that enrolls over 30,000 students. Auburn offers bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees and has a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1. This is a doctoral university with very high research activity according to Carnegie. Auburn has been accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1922. Their academic offerings are wide ranging and include programming in philosophy, geography, educational leadership, neuroscience, food science and so much more. According to the US News and World Report, Auburn University currently ranks as the 97th a school in the nation and also highly for undergraduate engineer ring, first year experiences, innovation, value, undergraduate teaching and for veterans. To support the success of their students Auburn offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities.

Auburn University offers a Master of Science in nutrition. This program may be taken online as a non-thesis option. The curriculum is 33 credit hours in length and includes five credit hours of thesis research. Students of this program have the option to select from nutrition science, clinical nutrition, sports nutrition or community nutrition. Some of the courses include programming in disease prevention, vitamins, minerals, human nutrient metabolism and the nutrition no lifecycle as well as electives. Elective courses are in a wide variety of emphasis areas. The sports nutrition electives include programming in anatomical principles. Community nutrition focuses on youth programming and ethics for leaders among others. The clinical nutrition program looks close to get special issues as well as give students an opportunity to engage with advanced independent study. For more information about their programming and to apply check out their website.

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2.) Tufts University

Tufts University is a private institution located in Medford Massachusetts. Tuffs offers bachelors masters in doctoral degree is as well as professional certifications. Their student population is 11,878 with a student or faculty ratio of 9 to 1. According to the US News and World Report, Tufts is considered to be the 30th best school in the nation and ranks highly for innovation, value, engineering, undergraduate teaching and more. Additionally Tufts has one of the top medical schools in the nation. According to Carnegie, Tufts is considered to be a doctoral University with very high research activity. Their academic offerings are in the fields of agriculture, Veterinary science, mechanical engineering, archaeology, philosophy, sustainability studies and so much more. In recent years, Tufts has expanded their programming and now offers online opportunities.

Among their online opportunities is the Master of Nutrition science and policy. Students may pursue this program through a blended online and on-campus curriculums. The program is 30 credit hours in length and includes course material in nutritional bio chemistry, epidemiology for nutrition professions, obesity and energy regulation, nutrition and aging, nutrition brain and behavior and much more. Additionally, students complete this program with a masters thesis. This program is offered through the Friedmans school which is committed to cutting edge research in the fields of molecular nutrition, human metabolism, population studies clinical trials behavioral change and much more. For more information about their programming and to apply check out their website.

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3.) University of Massachusetts – Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school that enrolls over 31,000 students. UMass Amherst offers associates through doctoral degree days and professional certifications. According to Carnegie, the institution is considered to be a doctoral university with very high research activity. UMass Amherst has been accredited through the New England Commission of Higher Education since 1932. Their academic offerings are in the fields of agricultural studies, engineering, health, interdisciplinary studies, the visual and performing arts and much more. According to the US News and World Report the University of Massachusetts Amherst is ranked as a 66th best school in the nation as well as highly for is business programming, artificial intelligence, undergraduate engineering programming, veterans and much more.

UMass Amherst offers a Master of Public Health in nutrition. The online mph in nutrition does not include a dietetic internship and does not prepare students to sit for the registered dietitian exam. However Umass Amerherst does offer a 27 month track for individuals who are willing to work alongside an online MPH in nutrition. Students must be willing to complete the internship portion in western Massachusetts. If you are not looking to sit for the exam then this program is entirely online with no residency requirements. The program is flexible and fits into your busy lives and is 47 credit hours in length. The MPH in Nutrition Curriculum is divided into the following areas: Public Health core, nutrition core, elective courses and practicum. The practicum is a 200 hour field experience. The public health corps includes course material in environmental health practices, the US healthcare system and epidemiology. The nutritional core focuses on nutritional epidemiology, community nutrition, intestinal problems in the United States and nutritional assessments. The final independent studies project is six hours in length. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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4.) University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and enrolls over 38,000 students. UA offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree and is considered to be a doctoral university with very high research activity according to Carnegie. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has been accredited since 1897. Their academic offerings are wide ranging include programming in areas such as African studies, physical education teaching, speech language pathology, criminal justice, interior design, geography and much more. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Alabama is currently ranked as 143rd best school in the nation as well as highly for undergraduate engineering, veterans, value, business and computer science. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling, employment services for students, distance learning opportunities, study abroad, weekend and evening college and much more.

Bama by distance offers a Master of Science in human nutrition. This is a 30 credit hour program that includes course material in advanced vitamin and mineral metabolism, research methods, community nutrition, child and adult nutrition, childhood obesity, as well as electives. Their electives are in epidemiology, health behavior, health promotion techniques, nutritional epidemiology and as well as entrepreneurship. For more information and to apply checked out their website.

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5.) Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a public institution that offers associate, specialist and doctoral degree. According to Carnegie, IUP is considered to be a doctoral/professional university. Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a national institution according to the US News and World Report and also ranks highly for social mobility. Their academic offerings include programmming in business, education, health, psychology, social sciences and the visual and performing arts. Their online offerings are in education health and other areas. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling, credit for life experiences, study abroad opportunities and distance learning opportunities.

Indiana University Pennsylvania offers a Master of Science in food and nutrition. Students may opt for a dual masters degree in a related field. These courses are taken 100% online and feature convenient and flexible curriculums. Students may choose between a thesis and non thesis option. The core courses are in the following areas: nutrition, research methods, proteins carbohydrates and fats and minerals and water as well as vitamins. You may select the administration track or the education track. The education track features course material in the lifecycle of nutrition. The administration track looks at public health nutrition in epidemiology. In addition students must complete their research requirement which is either a thesis or twoadditional courses. Additionally students may select from a wide variety of electives in sports nutrition, human nutrition, dietetic internship and more. For more information about their programming and to apply check out their website.

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6.) University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public institution located in Grand Forks that enrolls13,581 students. UND offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, UND is considered to be a doctoral university with high research activity. The institution has been accredited through the Higher Learning Commission since 1913. Their programming is wide-ranging including course material in nursing, criminal justice, forensic psychology, musical theater and much more. According to the US News and World Report the University of North Dakota is currently ranked the 258 best school in the nation as well as highly for social mobility, engineering, business and computer science.

UND offers online programming in the field of nutrition. The Master of Science in Nutrition is an online degree that will take 2+ years to complete. The amount of credit hours is 30. No GRE is required for this program. The master of science and nutrition prepares you for a life as a dietitian, nutrition counselor, nutrition manager educator or health consultant. The curriculum includes course material in nutrition counseling, health policy, independence study, advanced physiology and more. Students may choose either a nutrition education and counseling specialization or the nutrition science specialization. For more information about their programming and to apply check out their website.

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7.) Iowa State University

Iowa State University is a public four year institution located in Ames Iowa. The University enrolls 32,370 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1. The institution has been accredited through the Higher Learning Commission since 1916. Their programming includes course material in farm and farm ranch management, Russian studies, immunology, special education, dietetics, gerontology, meteorology, physics, interior design, fashion apparel design and so much more. Their programming is wide ranging. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling as well as distance-learning opportunities, study abroad opportunities, teacher certification programming and much more. According to Carnegie, the institution is classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity.

Iowa State University offers an online dietetics program. The course is 36 credit hours in length. To be admitted to this online masters program you must hold a credential of registered dietitian or be eligible to be registered meaning you have met both the academic and supervised practice requirements of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This program includes course material in research methods statistics and current issues and trends. Electives are where students can tailor their degree to meet their needs. In fact the majority of their programming is elected. Some of the courses include: study obesity across the lifespan, nutrition, advanced nutrition, macro and micro nutrients, dietary and herbal supplements, nutritional aspects of oncology grant writing and much more. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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8.) Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Bowling Green State University is a public institution located in Bowling Green, Ohio that enrolls 17,733 students. The institution has been classified as a doctoral university with high research activity according to Carnegie. To support the success of their students, Bowling Green offers credit for life experiences, teacher certification programming, academic and career counseling, distance learning opportunities and more. Their programming is wide ranging and includes course material in Asian studies, women’s studies quality control technology, rhetoric and composition, creative writing, fire services administration, fine arts an art studies and much more. According to the US News and World Report, Bowling Green State University office is currently ranked as the 258th best school in the nation and highly for public schooling, social humility, and programming in computer science.

BGSU offers the master of food and nutrition online. To be eligible for this program you must have completed coursework in bio chemistry, anatomy and physiology and nutrition. The course is divided into following areas: food and nutrition core courses, cognate minor courses, research methods statistics and seminars, and the masters project or comprehensive exam. The total credit our requirement is sort 39 to 40 credit hours. As part of the core course requirements student study: study family and community nutrition, micro nutrients to the lifespan, macro nutrients for human nutrition and advanced clinical nutrition. Additionally students must choose either a masters project, Readings for comprehensive exam or thesis research and food and nutrition. 12 credit hours are divided to a seminar in food and nutrition. For more information about their programming and to apply check out their website.

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9.) Canisius College

Canisius college as a private institution located in Buffalo New York. The University enrolls 3102 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1. Canisius College offers associates, bachelors, and masters degrees as well as professional certifications. Canisius is classified as a Masters College and University with larger programming. Their academic offerings include course material in animal behavior, ethnology, entrepreneurship, higher education, creative writing, classics and classical literature, force kinesiology, chemistry and art history among others. According to the US News and World Report Canisius College is currently a regionally ranked institution ranked as the 19th best school in the north as well as highly for veterans, value, undergraduate teaching and more.

Canisius College offers two areas of concentration for their online Masters program and applied nutrition. The total credit hour amount is 33. The program is divided into three main areas: six required courses, one elective and four courses within a concentration. The two concentrations are: obesity and eating disorders, fitness and sports nutrition. The required courses are in medical nutrition therapy, advanced nutrition, clinical health behavior change, research methods in allied health, data analysis and statistics and a masters project. For more information about their programming and to apply check out their website.

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10.) Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a private institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. Northeastern offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications annd is considered to be according to Carnegie a doctoral university with very high research activity. Northeastern has been accredited through the New England Commission on Higher Education since 1940. According to the US News and World Report Northeastern university is considered to be the 49th best school in the nation and ranks highly for value, innovation, undergraduate engineering, entrepreneurship, international business, study abroad, service learning and so much more. Northeastern is number one in the nation for co-ops and internships.

Northeastern offers a online master of science in applied nutrition. If you have existing clinical knowledge this program is designed to build upon your previous experience with nutrition. The duration of the program is 12 to 18 months and is a part time commitment. In this program you’ll have the opportunity to concentrate in one of the four areas: business and entrepreneurship in nutrition, nutrition and fitness, and Nutrition education and obesity and nutritional house. In this program you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with registered dietitians as well as fitness professionals and other health professionals. The requirements include: general master of science in applied nutrition general requirements as well as your concentration area requirement. All students will study advance nutrition and metabolism, medical nutrition therapy, research methods and nutrition, food and society, clinical health behavioral change and much more. For more information about their programming and to apply check out their website.

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11.) Southern Mississippi University

University of Southern Mississippi is a public four year institution that offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees that enrolls 14,133 students. According to Carnegie, the University of Southern Mississippi is classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity. The institution offers a variety of programming including in the following areas: accounting, physical education, architectural engineering, psychiatric nursing practice, dance, geography and much more. To support the success of their students the University of Southern Mississippi offers academic and career counseling, study abroad opportunities weekend and evening college programming and distance-learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.

The University of Southern Mississippi offers an online nutrition and food systems master of science. The program is 33 to 36 credit hours in length and requires 1 to 3 years to complete. This program has been accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Some of the courses include: food systems management, advanced medical nutrition therapy, seminar in food and nutrition, global nutrition and health, nutrition education: theory research and practice, food nutrition public policy and advanced practice in nutrition and food systems. For more information about their programming and to apply Check out their website.

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12.) North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh, North Carolina and enrolls 36,304 students. NCSU offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degree‘s as well as professional certifications. The institution has been accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1928. According to Carnegie, NCSU is classified as a doctoral University with very high research activity. Their academic offerings are wide ranging and include programming in agriculture, bio technology, educational leadership, aerospace engineering, professional technical business and scientific writing, forestry, social work and much more. To support the success of their students the institution offers employment services for the students academic and career counseling, and distance learning opportunities.

UNC online offers an online master degree in nutrition. To be eligible for this program you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program is fully online and requires about 24 months to complete. The master of science and nutrition includes course material in a variety of areas. Students may choose from 1 to 4 emphasis areas: food science, human nutrition food in bio processing, professional science, and the professional science master efficient human nutrition emphasis. As you can see there’s a wide variety of options from which to choose. For more information about their programming in to apply check out their website.

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13.) NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

North Dakota State University is a public four year institution located in Fargo, North Dakota. NDSU offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree’s and is classified as a high research activity doctoral university according to Carnegie. The institution has been accredited through the Higher Learning Commission since 1915. NDSU offers a wide variety of academic programmming including in soil science, microbiology food and nutrition, dietetics, anthropology, drama, social sciences and more. To support the success of their students, North Dakota State University offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities. Their distance-learning programming has expanded to undergraduate and graduate graduate offerings.

NDSU offer an online dietetics program. The course is a masters degree and is 36 credit hours in length. This program may be completed over the course of four years when taken part time. Some of the course materials includes pediatric clinical nutrition. Nutrition and immunology, nutrition epidemiology, a on lifestages, maternal and Child nutrition, as well as grant writing, macro nutrients, research and more. For more information about their programming and to apply check out their website.

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14.) The Sage Colleges

Russell Sage College is a private four-year institution located in Troy New York. The college offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Their student population is 2448 and the student to faculty ratio is 11 to 1. This institution has been accredited through the Middle States commission on Higher Education since 1928. To support the success of their students the institution office academic and career counseling, distance-learning opportunities, study abroad teacher certification programming and credit for life experiences. According to Carnegie, Russell Sage college is considered to be a doctoral/professional university. Their economic offerings include programming in biology, business, education, Health and more.

Russell Sage College offers an applied nutrition master of science program. This program is designed for individuals who want to enhance their resume and build skills for their clinical practice as well as for their community. As an applied nutrition masters candidate you will complete the following five courses in the area of nutrition: epidemiology, sports nutrition, nutrition programs and interventions and pediatric nutrition. Full-time students may complete this program in as little as a year and a half. This program can easily be combined with the dietetic internship certificate in order to gain more practical experiences. This is a two-year 45 credit hour course that also includes 24 credits from the Russell Sage College dietetic internship as well as 21 core courses to complete the Masters degree. For more information and to apply check out their website.

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15.) Liberty University Online

Liberty University is a private institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia that enrolls 85,586 students. The student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1. Liberty University has been accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and schools since 1980 and is affiliated with the evangelical Christian church. According to Carnegie, Liberty University is a doctoral/professional university with high research activity. Their academic offerings are wide ranging and include programming in biology, education, health, psychology, theology, and the visual and performing arts among others. To support the success of their students Liberty offers academic and career counseling, study abroad opportunities, distance learning opportunities, teacher certification and more. The majority of their offerings are now available online.

Liberty University offers a master of public health in nutrition. This is a 42 credit hour program that takes about 1 1/2 years to complete. This program has been accredited through the CEHP. This course features eight week courses and students are able to transfer up to 50% of the degree. Some of their featured courses include: principles of nutrition, diabetes obesity and eating disorders and performance nutrition for the physically active. In addition students complete six hours of Elective courses. The program features a nutrition concentration that includes foodborne illnesses prevention, and a practicum experience. As this is a master of public health, students will also be required to complete the epidemiology, environmental health, public health administration, social and behavioral theory applications in public health and research methods in public health programmming. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

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16.) Benedictine University

Benedictine University is located in Lisle, Illinois. Benedictine University enrolls 4401 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling, teacher certification programming, ROTC programming weekend and evening college and distance-learning opportunities. According to Carnegie, Benedictine University is considered to be a doctoral/professional university. The institution has been accredited through the higher learning commission since 1958. Their academic offerings include programming and music, political science, exercise science and kinesiology, public health, Music teacher education, organizational behavior will studies, bio chemistry and more.

Benedictine University offers an online master of science and nutrition and wellness. This program features two options: the thesis and non-thesis track. The thesis track includes research analysis and research communication. The non thesis track is in entrepreneurship and venture planning in nutrition. The required nutrition and wellness foundation is 18 credit hours and links and includes course material and wellness, science and sports nutrition, nutrition communication through technology, obesity theory and practice, complementary nutrition therapy is an issues metabolism. For more information about their programming and to apply check out their website.

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17.) Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University is a public institution located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The student population is 19,362 and the student to faculty ratio is 19 to 1. To support the success of their students, Central Michigan University office academic and career counseling, distance-learning opportunities, study abroad opportunities, weekend and evening college, teacher and certification and more. The institution has been accredited through the Higher Learning Commission since 1923. Their academic offerings are wide ranging and include programming in biology, hospitality administration, art teacher education, mechanical engineering, American history, graphic design and much more. According to the US News and World Report Central Michigan University is classified as a national University and ranks highly for business programming undergraduate engineer in computer science and more.

Central Michigan University offers an online master of science and nutrition and dietetics. The requirements range from 31 to 37 credit hours. Students may pursue the thesis option, internship option or the coursework option. The thesis option requires research methods in bio statistics as well as a thesis in nutrition and dietetics. The internship option includes a capstone in nutrition and dietetics. The coursework work option includes a capstone in nutrition and dietetics as well. The coursework plan offers course material in: macro nutrients, micro nutrients, nutrition, advanced clinical nutrition, advanced nutritional assessment, Nutritional epidemiology, and research methods. The internship option offers similar courses but includes a dietetic internship in clinical experience, a dietetic internship in food service administration experience and dietetic internship summary experience. The thesis option is a 31 credit hour program that just requires a thesis. For information about their programming and to apply check out their website.

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18.) Logan University

Logan University is a private institution that offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. Logan enrolls 1664 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1. According to Carnegie, Logan University is a special focus four year health profession school. Their academic offerings include programming in biology, health, natural sciences, and exercise science. The institution has been accredited through the Higher Learning Commission since 1987. Their student support services include academic and career counseling and distance learning opportunities.

Logan offers a master of science and human performance. This is a nutrition and human performance program. By the end of this program students will be able to integrate evidence-based research on the topic of nutrition. Logan features a number of degree tracks including: sports and fitness nutrition, nutrition and wellness, health education and promotion and integrative nutrition and practice. Sports and fitness nutrition track includes course material in the following areas: lifecycle nutrition, clinical nutrition and human systems, research methods in healthcare and a choice between the following areas: dietetics, integrative nutrition and practice and other professional degrees. Their courses for the nutrition and wellness Track include programming in the gut microbio nutrition and behavior. Health education include similar courses However also health education concepts in theory as well as media technology and public health and an internship. For more information about their programming into a fly check out their website.

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19.) University of Western States

The University of Western States is a private four year institution located in Portland, Oregon. UWS offers bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. Their student population is 1097 and the student to faculty ratio is 8 to 1. This is a special focus four year health professions school. The institution has been accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1986. This is a special focus school that focuses on biological in biomedical sciences, health professions this is chiropractic nutrition nutritionist and mental health as well as exercise science in kinesiology in sports science studies.

The University of Western States offer a masters doctoral and graduate certification programs in the field of nutrition and functional medicine. Students may pursue a master of science in human nutrition and functional medicine. This is a one of a kind program. This is the only place where you can obtain an accredited master of science in human nutrition and functional medicine. Students will have the opportunity to study with a wide variety of faculty members. If you were interested in functional medicine and this is a program for you. For more information check out their website.

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20.) South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University is a public institution located in Brookings, South Dakota. SDSU offers associate specialist masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. Their academic offerings include programming in agriculture, business management, education, engineering, family computer sciences, Parks and Recreation and the visual and performing arts. According to the US News and World Report, South Dakota State University is a nationally ranked institution that ranks highly for social mobility, and undergraduate engineering programming among others.

South Dakota State University offers an online master of science in dietetics. The curriculum includes horse material and research methods and dietetics, current trends in dietetics practices, vitamins and minerals and human nutrition and statistical methods. Soon as we select from one of the following options: thesis, masters research and design paper, and the coursework only option. In the coursework only option students will have the option to select from 24 credit hours worth of electives. In the research/design paper program soon as we select 21 credit hours worth of electives. I don’t know thesis programs soon as my select 18 credit hours worth of electives. Total credit hour requirement Is 36. For more information about their programming in to apply to check out their website.

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As an extrovert, your outgoing nature and people skills will make you an excellent candidate for a wide range of career paths in sought-after industries like healthcare, finance, education, legal, communication and business. With our Top 10 Careers for Extroverts list, you can discover a profession that will be as personally fulfilling as it is financially and professionally rewarding, one that fits your personality as well as your goals.

Remember, though, that no one is a complete extrovert. If none of these options appeal to you, take a look at our Top 10 Careers for Introverts – you might not be as much of an extrovert as you think.

 1. Lawyer

Lawyers represent individuals, organizations, businesses and government agencies in legal matters that range from criminal trial proceedings to drawing up contracts and wills. They inform and guide their clients in legal matters ranging from business to personal. While television portrayals typically show attorneys at trials, lawyers don’t spend every moment of their time locked in real-life courtroom battles. They do a lot of their work behind-the-scenes, communicating with clients, investigating legal matters and collecting evidence, interpreting laws and drafting legal documents. They must communicate facts both in writing and verbally – and that’s where the career appeals to extroverts.

When a lawyer goes to trial, he or she must be comfortable speaking in front of an entire courtroom full of people. Lawyers need to have the confidence to argue legal matters in court, in front of judges and juries, and to question witnesses and defendants. They must make their arguments compelling. For an introvert, this could be a daunting task, but an extrovert like you might find this to be the most exciting and rewarding part of the job.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $113,530

Education Level: Law school degree (Doctoral degree)

Projected employment growth: 10 percent

2. Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who work with patients to improve their mobility and decrease pain. When patients suffer an illness or injury that restricts their ability to move, it can affect every aspect of their lives. Physical therapists rehabilitate these patients through the use of exercise, hands-on therapy, stretches, heat and cold applications, electric stimulation, assistive devices for walking and other modalities and equipment. A physical therapist’s job is to help patients function better.

A wide variety of patients requires physical therapy. Young people and even babies must see a physical therapist for help with developmental delays. Among older patients, strokes are a common cause of mobility issues that call for physical therapy. Patients may also come to a physical therapist at any age to help with conditions caused by sports injuries or accidents. Sometimes patients need therapy for recovering from a one-time but acute injury, while other times they’re seeking solutions for coping with chronic conditions. A physical therapist must be comfortable interacting with a range of patients. Like other medical professionals, they need to be able to educate and explain treatment plans to patients. More so than many other healthcare workers, physical therapists must motivate and encourage patients, some of whom may feel depressed as a result of their injury and limitations or discouraged by progress that is slower than they would like. An outgoing, extroverted physical therapist can inspire these patients and help them make the best possible recovery for their condition.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $79,860

Education Level: Doctoral degree

Projected employment growth: 36 percent

 3. Dental hygienist

Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals who clean and examine patients’ teeth. They work in dentists’ offices, where they spend most of their workdays interacting directly with patients. When patients visit the office for a cleaning or for other preventive dental care, the dental hygienist is the one who actually cleans and polishes their teeth, using manual, power and ultrasonic equipment to eliminate stains, plaque and tartar. They are often responsible for taking x-rays of the mouth, administering fluorides, applying sealants to teeth and examining patients’ mouths to detect any signs of dental problems or oral diseases.

While patients are in the chair, they typically can’t do much talking themselves, since the dental hygienist is hard at work on cleaning their teeth. It takes an extrovert to feel comfortable doing most or all of the talking, helping to put the minds of sometimes nervous patients at ease. Dental hygienists also advise patients on ways to enhance their dental health, such as the right way to brush and floss and the impact of diet on their teeth and gums. For someone with a compassionate nature and an outgoing personality, the opportunity to interact frequently with patients and to educate them on improving their health can be energizing and fulfilling. 

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $70,210

Education Level: Associate’s degree

Projected employment growth: 33 percent

4. Financial Advisor

Financial advisors use their knowledge of the world of finance to guide clients in choosing the right investment opportunities, decreasing their tax burdens and making insurance decisions to protect their interests. Successful financial advisors are knowledgeable about a wide range of finance topics, from tax laws to stocks, bonds and other types of investments. However, they do more than offer general advice. They interact with clients directly and learn about their personal situations, including their goals and financial situations. Financial advisors then talk with their clients about the different options available to them and the financial risks involved. They research different investment opportunities to discuss with their clients, keep an eye on how clients’ investments are performing and answer any financial questions their clients have.

The people and speaking skills necessary to interact well with clients are among the most important qualities a financial advisor can have, which makes this career an excellent choice for extroverts. After all, financial advisors need to understand their clients’ goals and their current financial situations. They must establish a rapport with clients that will help them discuss important matters that are both financial and personal, such as when the client wants to retire and how to plan financially for life changes like having children. Financial advisors also need strong sales skills to market their own services, especially if they are self-employed.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $67,520

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 27 percent

5. Nurse

Nurses care for patients in a variety of settings, from hospitals and doctors’ offices to nursing home facilities, prisons and schools. Registered nurses fulfill many roles in patient care. They write down medical histories, symptoms and their own observations. Nurses work with other healthcare professionals to coordinate treatment plans, perform diagnostic tests, use medical equipment and interpret test results. Within the healthcare facility, nurses dispense treatments and medicines.

One thing nearly all of a nurse’s many job duties have in common is their interaction with others. Obviously, nurses interact with the patients with whom they work directly. They need to have good people and communication skills to connect with patients, some of whom may be nervous about test results or uncomfortable procedures, and to put their minds at ease. Good nurses draw upon these same skills to explain to patients what to expect and what they must do, including how to take medication. They must also have and express compassion for their patients. Since nurses often work with doctors and a variety of other healthcare professionals, they also use their strong communication and interpersonal skills collaborating with other members of their team.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $65,470

Education Level: Associate’s degree

Projected employment growth: 19 percent

6. Mediator

Mediators are legal professionals who work with the parties involved in a legal dispute to help them resolve the problem outside of the court system. They are neutral or impartial with regards to the case, meaning that they aren’t on the side of either the plaintiff or defendant. Instead, they meet with both parties simultaneously and work to help them communicate effectively to reach an agreement without having to go to trial. Though they do their work in private hearings rather than in the courtroom, mediators are an important part of the legal system. Resolving disputes outside of court means that the parties involved can avoid the cost, time and hassle of a trial and that fewer cases are clogging up an already overburdened court system.

While mediators must know and understand the laws that relate to the cases they mediate, much of their success is based upon skills that are common among extroverts. Mediators must be good listeners and communicators, and they must be able to interact well with others to help them communicate more effectively, too. They have to talk to plaintiffs, defendants and witnesses to learn the background of the case and the events that led to the legal dispute.  They must make sure that everyone involved understands the process and sort out each party’s interests and concerns. Mediators need excellent critical thinking and people skills to get parties on opposite sides of a dispute to put aside their differences and work toward resolving the issue without having to resort to a trial or further litigation. For extroverts who naturally enjoy being surrounded by and interacting with people, the challenge of getting parties on opposite sides to work together can be as exciting as it is rewarding.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $61,280

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 10 percent

7. Human Resources Specialist

In the business world, human resources professionals play an important role: helping companies and organizations hire their employees. Workers are an important asset in every industry, and it’s a human resources specialist’s job to screen and hire quality workers and to handle matters such as training and orientation, employment paperwork, payroll and benefits.

When dealing with new and prospective new employees, human resources specialists will spend a lot of time interacting with people they don’t yet know. They must be comfortable meeting and interviewing new people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and they need to communicate well by being both good listeners and good speakers. Human resources specialists need to be confident in their own decision-making skills when it comes to determining which candidate is the best fit for the position they are trying to fill. Even after the hiring process is complete, human resources specialists guide new employees in filling out paperwork and understanding their job duties and benefits as well as conducting employee orientations. For extroverts, the opportunity to meet and interact with new people isn’t just a necessary part of the job, but may very well be the best part of the job. With experience and ambition, human resources specialists can advance to human resources manager positions. Not only does a management job allow extroverts to put their considerable leadership skills to work, but it also comes with substantially higher pay – a median salary of $99,720 per year.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $55,640

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 8 percent

8. Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are professionals in the field of media and communication who work toward a specific goal: managing the public image of an organization. Some public relations specialists, media specialists or communications specialists work in-house within a government entity, healthcare facility, educational institution or other organization, while others work in firms that handle public relations campaigns for a variety of external clients. Regardless of their work environment and situation, public relations specialists use the same strategies to create and perpetuate a positive image among consumers, investors and the media for the organizations they represent. They draft press releases announcing news concerning their organizations and distribute the information to a network of relevant contacts in the print and broadcast media. They field requests for information from media representatives and coordinate interviews with company spokespeople so that the information can be used in a newspaper or magazine article, a radio broadcast or a television news segment.

Strategy – and skilled implementation of that strategy – is an important part of success in public relations, but being a good problem-solver and writer isn’t enough. Public relations specialists must have excellent interpersonal skills to cultivate a network of relevant media contacts and maintain strong working relationships with those contacts. They must be comfortable not only initiating contact with reports, editors and other members of the media, but also speaking for the organization they represent. Where introverts might shudder at the thought of putting themselves and their company in the public eye and constantly courting the attention of the media, true extroverts will thrive in a busy, fast-paced career like public relations. Experienced public relations specialists can move into management positions, where they can earn a median annual salary of $95,450 and have the opportunity to lead teams and campaigns.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $54,170

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 12 percent

9. Teacher

Teachers are the professionals responsible for educating young people in a variety of subjects and grade levels. Whether teaching very young children at the preschool, kindergarten and elementary school level or teenagers and young adults at the middle school or high school level, teachers must be able to connect with their students and find ways to make learning interesting. They create and carry out lesson plans that illustrate course material. They may procure or develop worksheets and tests. Teachers assign and grade classwork, homework and projects that help students learn not only the material, like a history lesson or science lecture, but also help them develop skills such as critical thinking. They grade tests and assignments and work with struggling students to help them grasp lessons.

Teachers are often the only adult, or one of the only adults, in a classroom full of students. They must not only be comfortable with public speaking, but also getting to know and communicate with each individual student. Successful teachers have the interpersonal skills to interact and communicate with a variety of people, from their young students to fellow adults. Teachers have to discuss students’ progress, including their strengths and weaknesses, with parents and guardians during conferences or when an academic or behavioral issue arises. They also have to work with colleagues, including other teachers, school counselors and administrators. Whether a teacher is standing up in front of a class giving a presentation, facilitating a group discussion or assigning work, he or she must lead students and manage the classroom – tasks that extroverts, who thrive in environments full of people and interaction, will often be comfortable doing. 

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $53,090 – $55,050 per year

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 6 to 12 percent

10. Event Planner

Event planners are the business professionals who organize a wide variety of events that range from weddings and parties to professional conferences, conventions and meetings. They work directly with both clients and professionals in the hospitality, transportation and professional services industries. Prior to the event, planners coordinate all of the details, including the date and time, the venue, transportation and catering or food service. They seek out locations and services that will fit the client’s needs, negotiate prices and coordinate all services required, making sure to keep the cost of the event under the agreed-upon budget. The job doesn’t end once the planning is complete. While the event is going on, planners are busy managing equipment, guest registration and other logistics and resolving any problems that emerge.

As an extrovert, you probably enjoy going out and experiencing events, from weddings to business conventions. What career could be more interesting than planning those events yourself? Event planners spend much of their time interacting with other people. They talk to clients to discover their needs and ideas. Then they work with the appropriate vendors and suppliers to fill those needs and negotiate contracts and prices. Because event planning is such a fast-paced industry, the professionals in it must be composed under pressure and comfortable thinking on their feet to solve problems.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $45,810

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 33 percent

Related Resources:

20 Non-Law Firm Jobs with a Law Degree

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Lawyer?

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Mediator?

How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

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RELATED: 23 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Often, accelerated programs and online learning go hand in hand, especially at the master’s degree level. An online program that allows students to work at their own pace is also ideal for allowing ambitious students to finish more coursework in a shorter timeframe. Our list of the fastest online master’s programs identifies graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines that can be completed online at accredited colleges and universities in less than the traditional two years of study.

What Is the Fastest Master’s Degree?

There are several factors that can affect how long it takes to earn a master’s degree. Accelerated online graduate degrees commonly possess one or more of the following features: a smaller number of credits required for graduation, an accelerated course format or degree structure, a policy of accepting a considerable number of transfer credits and a subject that fits well into an accelerated format.

Smaller Credit Requirements

Progress toward a masters degree is typically measured in credits, or credit hours. Most graduate-level courses are worth three credits or four credits, but some classes – like short modules and seminar courses – may sometimes count for only a single credit hour.

One way to reduce the time it takes to earn your master’s degree online is to choose a program that requires fewer credits. Master’s degree programs typically consist of at least 30 credits of college study at the graduate level. However, some master’s degree programs, particularly those in specialized areas, may require up to 45, 50 or even 60 credit hours of graduate coursework.

Naturally, it takes significantly less time to complete 30 credits than 50 credits. If you want to earn your degree quickly, you should look for a master’s degree program in your field of study that requires only 30 credits to 40 credits. Many of the master’s degree programs on our list require 30, 32 or 36 college credits.

Accelerated Formats and Structures

Even the best student can only handle so heavy a workload at a time, especially if they have obligations outside of graduate school. Courses and programs that are offered in an accelerated format can allow students to complete their curriculum faster. Students in one of the best online accelerated master’s programs may take more than what is typically considered to be a full load of graduate-level coursework per term.

Often, students take advantage of the accelerated formats the quickest master’s programs offer by taking a smaller number of courses at a time spread over many short academic terms. Instead of taking three or four graduate courses per semester over two long semesters, a student might instead take one or two classes during each eight-week term. Under this sort of accelerated structure, a student may complete 10 to 12 classes in a year instead of just six to eight. Students may also prefer this learning format because it allows them to focus on just one or two courses at a time instead of spreading their efforts and attention too thin.

RELATED: Top 25 Fastest Online Doctorate Degrees

Because this program structure depends on short, frequent terms, an accelerated online master’s program is likely to offer multiple start dates throughout the academic year. This type of program enables students to start their online degree program sooner, without having to wait for traditional fall or spring start dates to enroll.

Transfer-Friendly Policies

Another way to speed up your education is by making sure you get full credit for all of your work, even prior coursework. If this isn’t your first attempt at graduate school, you should look for an institution that will allow you to transfer as many of your prior credits as possible, so you’re not stuck doing extra work to get your degree. A school with a generous transfer credit policy may allow students to transfer as many as 12 credits – a third (or more) of the credits required to earn a typical master’s degree.

Some schools also offer competency-based programs that allow you to get credit for what you already know – like the knowledge you gained on the job. Usually, colleges and universities that award credit for competency, rather than strictly for course completion, count scores on proctored exams, portfolio assessments and other methods of evaluation as progress toward graduation. Choosing a nationally ranked school that awards prior learning credits is a great choice to help working professionals who are earning a master’s degree finish their education faster.

The Best Subjects for an Accelerated Online Master of Science

Earning a master’s degree can improve your career prospects and your job security in any number of fields. However, some subjects lend themselves to accelerated online studies more effectively than others.

Naturally, a program that requires a great deal of clinical fieldwork can be more challenging to complete online and in an accelerated format than other programs. This is why many of the health sciences and health-related degrees on our list take closer to 16 months, a year and a half, or just under two years, rather than the degree plan being something students can complete in 1 year.

However, programs that require less highly technical knowledge and/or those that build upon existing knowledge and fieldwork often allow for shorter completion times. Some of the subjects in which accelerated online master’s degrees are commonly offered include:

• Business (business administration
• Education
• Criminal justice
• Computer science

This isn’t an exhaustive list of the types of online accelerated master’s program options graduate students may finish quickly. Whether you want to earn a masters degree in human sciences, policy analysis, public relations, global studies, other languages or the arts – like a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Music degree – national universities offer accelerated learning programs that can be completed quickly online. An online accelerated master’s program can help you reach career goals in a wide array of real-world industries and occupations.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Business Management and Administration

Business programs are some of the most common accelerated online master’s options out there. Business students pursuing a master’s degree online may opt for an online MBA, a master’s in business management, human resource management, project management, organizational performance and organizational leadership, business analytics and other specialization options.

Certain business programs are tailored toward management and administration in specialized areas. For example, pursuing an online college degree in public administration prepares students to work in administrative roles in government agencies and entities, while master’s programs in engineering management and healthcare administration allow students to achieve career aspirations involving leadership roles in the engineering and healthcare industries, respectively.

What can you do with an accelerated master’s degree in business? Many of these degree programs help students develop a range of useful skills, including managerial skills, skills in conflict resolution, critical thinking skills, a working knowledge of employment law and more. An accountancy program can help you become a certified public accountant (CPA), while an accelerated master in finance can help students become senior-level financial analysts.

Some online MBA program, accountancy program and other business master degree program options have earned programmatic accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the International Association for Business Schools and Programs (IABSP), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Education

Many online education degree program options offered with an accelerated track are teacher education degrees intended for working teachers. Master’s in education degrees that fit into this category include master’s in early childhood education and early childhood studies degrees, K-12 education programs, special education online degrees and music education degrees. Aside from these graduate-level teacher education programs, Master of Education program options may include topics like educational leadership, higher education administration, instructional design and learning technology.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice

Online masters in criminal justice programs often include a variety of specialization options ranging from criminology and law enforcement studies to emergency management and homeland security. Again, these programs are often well-suited to adult learners with considerable work experience in these fields.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Computer Science and Computer Technology

Another category of accelerated online master’s degrees that naturally works well with computer-based learning methods is computer science and computer technology. Tech-savvy students may pursue online degrees in cyber security, information systems and data analysis.

Accelerated Master’s Programs in Health, STEM Fields and Other Areas

Some master’s degree programs in health science and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are also available on an accelerated online format. Nursing, nutritional health and behavioral sciences are just a few of the health-focused online Master of Science programs students can consider. An online graduate program like one of these can prepare students for job prospects in settings like a nursing home or care facility, hospital, clinic or other type of medical or healthcare facility.

Types of Online Master’s Degree Program Options

Many master’s degrees are Master of Science (MS) programs, but these degrees aren’t the only option for online graduate students. Other programs may award a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (MEd) or Master of Engineering (MEng) degree, to name a few examples.

RELATED: 100 Most Affordable Online Graduate Schools

The 40 Fastest Online Programs for Graduate Students

Many of the fastest online master’s degrees are available with just a year and a half of study, one year of study or, at certain institutions, less than a full year of study. The accelerated online master’s degrees offered at each of the 40 schools listed below are among the 40 fastest online masters degrees in the nation, and they’re sure to impress students who are eager to jump right into accelerated online programs.

Whether you’re interested in a master’s in education, an online master of business degree, a master’s in engineering management or something completely different, you’re likely to find an accelerated online master’s program for you on our list below.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

At Southern New Hampshire University, online students can choose from more than 100 distance-learning master’s degree programs. Many of these programs are available in accelerated formats that allow them to be completed in as little as 18 months, 15 months or even just 12 months.

One of the shortest online programs available at Southern New Hampshire University is the one-year MBA program. Students pursuing an MBA at Southern New Hampshire University can choose from 17 distinct concentration areas, including finance, entrepreneurship, the music business and information technology management.

Numerous other degree programs at Southern New Hampshire University can be completed in just 15 months. In the area of education, these programs include the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration.

Accelerated programs related to the fields of business and management include the 15-month Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Sports Management, Master of Science in Applied Economics and Master of Science in Project Management and Operations. There are 15-month master’s degree programs in history, English, criminal justice and data analytics. Southern New Hampshire University even offers accelerated options in healthcare-related fields. The Master of Science in Healthcare Administration can be completed in as little as 15 months, while the Master of Science in Nursing takes 18 months to finish.

To allow students to complete their master’s degree programs faster, Southern New Hampshire State University offers five start dates throughout the school year and offers a generous transfer credit policy. Generally, students with prior graduate study can transfer up to 12 credits – a third of their curriculum – to this program. Additionally, by not requiring graduate admissions tests like the GRE or GMAT, the school removes obstacles that delay or prevent prospective students from applying.

As an institution, Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The school’s individual degree programs have earned programmatic accreditation from numerous organizations, including the following:

• The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
• The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
• The New Hampshire State Department of Education for Teacher Certification

View general online master’s program information.

2. California Baptist University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-16 Months

If you don’t mind earning your online degree at a school with a strong religious mission, consider applying to California Baptist University. The Christian-founded Riverside-based institution is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

To facilitate accelerated online learning, California Baptist University offers accelerated online or hybrid courses with start dates every eight weeks. These programs are geared toward adult students, making them an even better option for full-time professionals and students with family obligations.

The average completion time for many online master’s degree programs at California Baptist University is just 12 months, including the Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Information Technology Management and Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Business- and administration-related accelerated programs include the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, Master of Public Administration and Master of Business Administration programs in the specializations of accounting and general management. Education is another popular field of study at this institution, where online students can pursue a Master of Science in Education with specializations in Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Studies, Educational Leadership, Special Education and Transitional Kindergarten.

Healthcare-related options include the 1-year Master of Healthcare Administration and Master of Science in Kinesiology, as well as the 16-month Master of Public Health. The school’s online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree is unique because courses are offered in different formats like an asynchronous online format and a virtual hybrid format that allows for real-time distance-learning interactions.

View general online master’s program information.

3. University of North Texas

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

With eight-week accelerated course formats and five start dates throughout the year, the University of North Texas offers plenty of fast online master’s degree options.

Students seeking an online accelerated master’s degree from the University of North Texas can earn their MBA in half a dozen concentrations: marketing, marketing analytics, sport entertainment management, strategic management, supply chain analytics and organizational behavior and HR management.

In the field of education, accelerated master’s degree programs at the University of North Terxas include Master of Education in Educational Leadership and the Master of Science in Early Childhood Education.

The Master of Science in Learning Technologies program exists at the intersection between education and technology. More tech-focused programs include the Master of Science in Advanced Data Analytics and the Master of Science in Digital Communication Analytics.

View general online master’s program information.

4. Saint Leo University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-24 Months

Saint Leo University bills itself as “one of the first universities in America to offer online degree programs,” so it’s no surprise that the Florida institution offers dozens of online master’s degree options.

The Catholic liberal arts-based university offers an MBA program with a variety of distinct concentrations, as well seven different Master of Education degree options and seven specializations of Master of Science in Criminal Justice programs. Other areas of online study include creative writing, theology, psychology and social work.

Online graduate students at this institution typically take one to two classes per eight-week term, six of which run – often, with no break in between terms – in an academic year. Students who take the maximum number of courses per term and work toward their degree non-stop may be able to complete many of these degree programs within a year, while those who take just one course per term will be closer to the two-year mark by the time they graduate.

When taken with advanced standing, the full-time Master of Social Work is one of Saint Leo University’s abundant online master’s degree programs that can be completed in as little as one year. However, for students without advanced standing, this program requires two years of full-time study, as does the school’s creative writing program that includes three summer residencies. For prospective students who haven’t yet earned an undergraduate degree, Saint Leo University offers “3+1” accelerated degree programs in three subject areas that allow students to rapidly complete both their bachelor’s and their master’s degrees in a shorter timeframe.

View general online master’s program information.

5. Boston University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Boston University has a 20-year history of offering award-winning online education programs, so this school is a solid choice for students looking for a credible online master’s degree program. Coincidentally, Boston University also happens to offer 20 online degrees at that master’s level.

These degree options range from topics like insurance management and data analytics to gastronomy, a multidisciplinary program concerned with the role of food in society. BU’s Master of Science in Project Management degree program can be completed in 12 to 20 months, while the Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management degree program consists of one and a half years to two years of study.

Education degrees are popular options and include programs in music education, art education, higher education administration and curriculum and teaching. Business-related subjects of online graduate study at Boston University include financial management, insurance management, global marketing management, project management, supply chain management, business analytics and taxation law.

Other degree options fall under the discipline of computers and technology, including subjects such as software development and computer information systems, or healthcare, including health communication and health informatics.

View general online master’s program information.

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20+ Months

Indiana Wesleyan University offers more than 80 online degrees at the master’s level. Religion is important at this Christian institution – associated with the Wesleyan Church – that is headquartered in Marion, IN, and regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. As such, several online degree programs pertain to the subjects of ministry and divinity.

However, you would be mistaken if you assumed that the only online programs the school offers at the graduate degree level are religious in nature. The Master of Business Administration degree programs are available in eight areas of specialization and generally take 18 months to just shy of two years to complete. Master of Science in Accounting programs, which include three distinct concentration areas, take 18 months to complete, as does the Master of Science in Human Resource Management. The completion time for a Master of Science in Management program, however, is listed as 15+ months.

Programs in education that can be completed in as little as 12 months include the Master of Science in Early Childhood Teaching (for licensed teachers), the Master of Science in Elementary Teaching, while education degrees in other subjects, like special education, teaching English as a new language and curriculum and instruction, take longer to complete.

Students at Indiana Wesleyan University typically focus on one five- to eight-week course at a time.

View general online master’s program information.

7. Ball State University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Ball State University in Muncie, IN, offers 25 online master’s degree options. Many of these programs can be completed in less than two years, but certain programs are even faster to finish. The Master of Arts in Business Education takes just one year to complete. Students can earn the Master of Arts in Educational Psychology degree in less than a year if they take a full course load every semester, but most students take closer to 18 months to complete this program.

The Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision degree at Ball State University can be completed in as little as 18 months, as can the Master of Arts in Foundational Mathematics Teaching in the Community College and the Master of Arts in Secondary Education.

Students in a variety of undergraduate majors at Ball State University can also speed up their graduate education through the school’s Accelerated Master’s Program.

View general online master’s program information.

8. Trine University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-15 Months

Trine University in Angola, IN, is a private Midwest university that dates back to 1884 and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Outside of degrees in the health sciences, which typically require considerable clinical fieldwork, most of Trine University’s online master’s degrees can be completed in 12 months. Some of the degrees you could earn from Trine University in just one year include the Master of Science in Business Analytics, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice, the Master of Science in Engineering Management, the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and the Master of Business Administration with seven specialized tracks.

View general online master’s program information.

9. Northcentral University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Northcentral University is an online nonprofit institution that is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is affiliated with the National University System based in La Jolla, CA. Accelerated online master’s degrees at Northcentral University that can be completed in just 12 months include the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and the accelerated MBA program. Students can earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in just 13 months.

If you’re willing to spend a little more time on your studies, your options are more varied. In a year and three months, you could earn a Master of Education in Educational Leadership or a Master of Science in Technology Management. A 16-month completion time is possible for the Master of Education and Master of Human Resource Management degrees, as well as for Master of Science degrees in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Accounting, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology and Health Psychology.

Three psychology master’s degree programs – the Master of Arts in Psychology, the Master of Science in Sport Psychology and the Master of Science in Educational Psychology, take 18 months to complete. In 19 months, you could earn a Master of Public Administration degree. The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 20-month program.

View general online master’s program information.

10. Concordia University System

Time to Degree Completion: 12-16 Months

The Concordia University System is a system of higher education that was founded in the Lutheran Christain tradition and today has campuses in Michigan, Texas, California, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Each campus offers its own set of online programs. The Accelerated MBA program at Concordia University Chicago is a 1-year program. At Concordia St. Paul, the Master of Science in Athletic Administration and Coaching can be completed in 18 months. Concordia University Texas offers a 16-month Master of Education in Instructional Leadership. This is just a sampling of the numerous online master’s degree programs offered by the Concordia University System.

View general online master’s program information for each campus:

• Concordia University Ann Arbor
• Concordia University Texas
• Concordia University Irvine
• Concordia University Chicago
• Concordia University Nebraska
• Concordia St. Paul
• Concordia University Wisconsin

11. Benedictine University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Benedictine University is a Roman Catholic-affiliated institution located in Lisle, IL, that aims to serve an “inclusive academic community” while still holding true to its Benedictine tradition and its religious mission and values.

Benedictine University offers a one-year accelerated MBA program that includes potential areas of study like entrepreneurship, accounting, marketing management, financial management, international business and healthcare administration. Students in the accelerated MBA program take two courses per eight-week academic term. Another fast master’s degree program is the online Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness degree, which can be completed in just 18 months.

If you can’t decide on just one master’s degree, why not go for both with a dual degree program? Two of the dual master’s degrees offered by Benedictine University, the online Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Health (MBA/MPH) and the Master of Public Health/Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior, can be completed in the shortened timeframe of three and a half years.

Benedictine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

12. Mercy College

Time to Degree Completion: 12-15 Months

At Mercy College in New York, students will find more than 30 total fully online degree programs, including both graduate and undergraduate options. Online course formats include both traditional asynchronous classes that have no set meeting times, online synched courses that utilize real-time meetings in a virtual classroom and online hybrid courses.

One-year master’s programs at Mercy College include the Master of Business Administration degree with nine concentration options, the Master of Science in Computer Science and the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. The school also offers 15-month programs for registered nurses: the Master of Science in Nursing Administration and the Master of Science in Nursing Education. Another option for undergraduate students at Mercy College is a five-year combined bachelor’s degree and master’s degree program, which the school offers in subjects like cybersecurity and psychology.

Mercy College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

13. Gwynedd Mercy University

Time to Degree Completion: 12*-20 months

Gwynedd Mercy University in Gwynedd Valley, PA, offers an array of accelerated programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, online and on campus, in the fields of education, business, nursing and counseling.

For students interested in earning a master’s degree online in less than two years, a program of particular interest is the 20-month Master of Science in Educational Administration. Students who start their undergraduate coursework at Gwynedd Mercy University can also take advantage of a fast-track 4+1 combined bachelor’s in business and MBA program to earn both degrees in a total of five years.

The school also offers numerous accelerated graduate certificate and certification programs that consist of as few as four courses in narrowly specialized areas of study. If you don’t necessarily need a master’s degree, these certificate options can help you build graduate-level knowledge in a matter of months, without the cost of a full degree.

Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In the school’s accredited graduate programs, students take one seven-week class at a time, allowing them to focus on just one subject area.

View general online master’s program information.

14. Western Governors University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Western Governors University is a fully online university established by the Western Governors’ Association – a group of U.S. governors – and accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The school emphasizes accessibility to higher education, curricula that focus on practical application in the workforce and affordability, charging a flat tuition rate per six-month term instead of per-credit tuition costs.

The shortest time to earn an online master’s degree at this institution is 12 months, and the degrees that you can quickly earn in this timeframe include the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Management & Leadership.

Several master’s degree programs at Western Governors University can be completed in 18 months, including:

• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, English Education (Secondary)
• The Master of Arts in English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learning (ELL)
• The Master of Arts in Mathematics Primary Education
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary)
• The Master of Arts in Teaching, Science Education (Secondary)
• The Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction
• The Master of Education in Learning and Technology
• The Master of Science in Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN)

Additionally, students can complete the Master of Science in Information Technology Management degree in 20 months.

View general online master’s program information.

15. University of Charleston

Time to Degree Completion: 11-16 Months

At the University of Charleston in West Virginia, three of the five online master’s degree programs available can be completed in under two years. In fact, students can finish the school’s Master of Science in Business and Data Analytics in just 11 months, making this degree one of the fastest master’s program options in the country. In less than a year, you could be ready to pursue leadership roles in the areas of applied artificial intelligence and big data.

If your interests aren’t quite so technical in nature, other accelerated online degree options at this university include the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Strategic Leadership, both of which can be completed in as little as 16 months.

View general online master’s program information.

16. Purdue University Global

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Purdue University Global is the online learning hub of the well-respected Purdue University System. Online programs at Purdue are geared toward the needs of working adult students. In addition to accelerated course formats, online learning options at Purdue University include Competency-Based ExcelTrack programs and alternative pathways to earning college credits for what the student already knows.

The fastest online master’s degrees you will find at Purdue University are the one-year Master of Professional Studies and Master of Science in Legal Studies programs. Through the Purdue University System, online students can also complete a number of distinct graduate degrees in just 18 months, including:

• The Master of Arts in Teaching
• The Master of Science in Education
• The Master of Science in Higher EducationThe Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology
• The Master of Science in Health Education
• The Master of Health Care Administration
• The Master of Health Informatics
• The Master of Health Information Management
• The Master of Public Health
• The Master of Public Administration
• The Master of Science in Human Services
• The Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• The Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• The Master of Science in Accounting

Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, IN, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The public research university consistently ranks well among national universities.

View general online master’s program information.

17. University of Miami

Time to Degree Completion: 16-20 Months

The University of Miami is a particularly strong option for current and prospective finance professionals looking to boost their credentials quickly. The fastest online master’s degree available from this institution is the 16-month Master of Finance degree.

If you’re interested in the business side of the music and performing arts industries, a Master of Arts in Music Industry or a Master of Arts in Live Entertainment Management degree, both of which can be completed in as little as 18 months, might be the right fit for you. The University of Florida’s accelerated programs also include the Master of Science in Education Sport Administration and the Master of Science in Education Applied Learning Sciences, both of which are 20-month degrees.

The University of Miami is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

18. Baker College

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

At Baker College in Owosso, MI, the fastest online master’s degrees include the one-year general MBA and a more specialized one-year MBA in Business Intelligence. Students can also pursue an 18-month Master of Science in Information Systems degree. Online courses at Baker College are offered through both traditional asynchronous formats and OnlineLive formats that utilize live, real-time virtual meetings.

Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

19. Central Michigan University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months*

Central Michigan University, a public university with its main campus in Mount Pleasant, offers online learning options at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Online classes can be presented in 8-week, 12-week or 16-week formats. The quickest accelerated online master degree options at this institution are the one-year Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Administration and Master of Entrepreneurial Ventures degrees.

For undergraduates studying at Central Michigan University, the 4+1 accelerated graduate degree program allows you to double count 9 to 18 credits toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Under this program, undergraduates complete the first courses – up to 18 credits – of their master’s degree programs as part of their bachelor’s degree curriculum. Another benefit of this option is that the master’s-level courses students complete while registered as undergraduates are cheaper, since students pay undergraduate tuition for these classes.

This university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

20. Thomas Edison State University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

At Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, NJ, online programs of study are available at every level, from associate’s degrees and undergraduate certificates to graduate certificates, master’s degrees and doctorates.

Thomas Edison State University is an adult-focused public university that offers numerous online MS and online MA options. The one-year degree options at Thomas Edison State University include the Master of Science in Management, the Master of Science in Human Resources Management and the Master of Science in Accounting, which is also available in a 20-month format. Earning a Master of Business Administration degree from Thomas Edison State University takes 15 months and prepares students to work in business roles in areas like accounting, finance, marketing, human resources management, healthcare management and data analytics.

Several graduate degree options for adult learners are available in 18-month formats, including the following:

• The Master of Public Service Leadership
• The Master of Science in Homeland Security
• The Master of Science in Information Technology
• The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
• The Master of Arts in Educational Technology and Online Learning
• The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

21. Warner Pacific University

Time to Degree Completion: 7-18 Months

The single fastest online master’s degree on our list is the Accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching offered by Warner Pacific University. Full-time students who complete a full schedule of classes from May through August and a 15-week student teaching experience during the fall semester can complete this degree by December, but they must be ready to commit to taking both morning and afternoon classes throughout the summer and essentially working full-time in the classroom during their clinical teaching experience.

Students can also opt for other fast degree options in education. The Master of Education degree for licensed teachers can be completed in 18 months. There is also a 20-month part-time Master of Teaching option that consists of evening classes for students who need a less rigorous schedule.

Outside of degrees in education, Warner Pacific University offers an accelerated Master of Business Administration and a 4+1 combined degree business administration program that awards both a Bachelor of Business Administration and an MBA.

Warner Pacific University is located in Portland, OR, and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

View general online master’s program information.

22. Capella University

Time to Degree Completion: 13-14 Months

Capella University, an online university headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, offers online instruction in dozens of graduate-level degree programs. The fastest online education options at the master’s level available at the school are the ones for which the institution offers its FlexPath format of study.

Under the FlexPath learning format, Capella University students take one or two courses at a time and complete their desired number of courses over a 12-week academic term for which they pay a flat tuition rate. The fastest FlexPath students can finish degrees like the following in as little as 14 months:

• Master of Science in General Psychology
• Master of Science in Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Master of Science in Psychology: Sport Psychology
• Master of Science in Psychology: Child and Adolescent Development
• Master of Science in Educational Psychology
• Master of Education in Teaching and Learning
• Master of Business Administration in Project Management
• Master of Business Administration: Self-Designed MBA
• Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management
• Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
• Master of Science in General Human Resource Management
• Master of Science in Human Resource Management in Health Care
• Master of Health Administration: General Health Administration
• Master of Health Administration in Health Care Informatics
• Master of Health Administration in Health Care Leadership

Even faster degree options are, surprisingly, graduate nursing programs. Capella University offers the following eight master’s degree programs in nursing that, with the FlexPath program, can be completed in just 13 months:

• Master of Science in Nursing in Care Coordination
• Master of Science in Nursing in Care Coordination (RN-to-MSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education (RN-to-MSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Leadership and Administration
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Leadership and Administration (RN-to-MSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics
• Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics(RN-to-MSN)(13 months

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

23. Northeastern University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-20 Months

Northeastern University is a private research institution headquartered in Boston, MA, with campuses not only throughout the country but across the globe.

More than 30 of the master’s degree programs offered online at Northeastern University can be completed on a shorter timeline than the two years traditionally required for graduate school. In fact, more than 20 of these degrees can be completed within one year, and another seven programs can be completed in 18 months.

At Northeastern University, accelerated programs are available in a variety of specialized fields, including degrees in business, education, health, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects and more. The breadth of online master’s degree program options makes this school a great place for students from many backgrounds to advance their education in their given field.

View general online master’s program information.

24. Colorado Technical University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Online classes at Colorado Technical University are just five weeks long, and new terms begin nine times each year. The mobile-friendly CTU Mobile platform makes online learning truly convenient and on your terms, since you can access your educational materials from a device like a smartphone or tablet.

The fastest online master’s degree at Colorado Technical University is the Master of Business Administration. In this one-year MBA program, students can choose from a dozen concentrations, including accounting, global leadership and logistics management.

In 18 months, students at Colorado Technical University could earn a Master of Science in Management degree or branch out into fields like criminal justice or technology with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice or a Master of Science in Information Technology.

View general online master’s program information.

25. National University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

National University is a veteran-founded private nonprofit institution that is located in San Francisco, CA, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The accelerated online master’s degrees available from National University cover a wide range of subject areas, from business to criminal justice, computer science and even health. One year of study may be enough to complete either the Center for Creative Leadership Master of Business Administration (MBA) or the Master of Criminal Justice Leadership. It takes a minimum of 14 months to earn the Master of Science in Data Analytics degree. The Master of Public Health degree program requires 18 months of full-time study to complete.

National University’s four-week classes are some of the shortest courses out there, so you’ll never feel like your courses are dragging on. New terms start nine times each year, allowing students to jump into graduate school when it’s convenient for them and to keep pushing through until they reach their educational goals.

View general online master’s program information.

26. Eastern University

Time to Degree Completion: 10-18 Months

Eastern University’s two 10-month online master’s degree programs, the Master of Business Administration in Organizational Management and the Master of Science in Data Science, make the institution one of the fastest schools for online graduate study.

The school also offers seven distinct Master of Education degree programs that can each be completed in one year, as well as a 12-month Master of Arts in Theological and Cultural Anthropology. Additionally, a Master of Arts in Teaching: Classical Education degree takes at least 16 months to complete, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership takes 18 months.

Eastern University is a Pennsylvania Christain institution that is based in St. Davids, PA, and is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

27. University of Arkansas

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

At the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, two master’s degree programs can be completed online in as little as 12 months. The Master of Social Work degree for students with advanced standing takes one year to finish online, including a year-long internship through which students acquire real-world experience. The Master of Science in Engineering Management degree can also be completed in this short timeframe.

Other accelerated programs at the University of Arkansas require 18 months of study. These graduate degree programs include the more technical Master of Science in Engineering, the Master of Education in Educational Technology and the Master of Science in Operations Management. E-learning students at the University of Arkansas also enjoy the benefit of getting to pay in-state tuition no matter where they live.

View general online master’s program information.

28. Full Sail University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

At many institutions, only certain degree programs can be completed on an accelerated schedule. That’s not the case at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL. Each of the 10 master’s degree programs offered online at Full Sail University can be completed in just 12 months. The accelerated offerings include:

• Master of Science in Business Intelligence
• Master of Science in Entertainment Business
• Master of Science in Digital Marketing
• Master of Science in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Master of Science in Entertainment Business: Sports Management
• Master of Science in Game Design
• Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology
• Master of Arts in Public Relations
• Master of Arts in New Media Journalism
• Master of Fine Arts in Media Design

Full Sail University is a private for-profit institution that prizes hands-on experience and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

29. Louisiana State University

Time to Degree Completion: 9-18 Months

One of the fastest graduate schools for online students is Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. The degree with the shortest completion time here is the Master of Social Work, which students who qualify for advanced standing – those who already have a Bachelor of Social Work degree – can finish in as little as nine months.

Students can also go for a 10-month Master of Business Administration program, with MBA concentrations in 10 different fields, including data analytics, hospitality and casino management, family enterprise entrepreneurship, project management and international business. There is also an 18-month MBA degree option.

One-year master’s programs at Louisiana State University include programs in educational leadership, human resources, nonprofit administration, health administration and sport management.

View general online master’s program information.

30. University of South Carolina

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

The University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, is a public research university that has been educating students for more than 200 years. The school offers a robust assortment of online graduate degree options from nine subject areas, including science and engineering, education, business, nursing and the arts.

Online courses at the University of South Carolina are offered in three separate 100% online formats. The fastest online master’s degrees at the University of South Carolina are the one-year full-time Master of Business Administration program and the Master of Science in Business Analytics, both offered through the Darla Moore School of Business. The school also offers an accelerated Master of Health Information Technology, an interdisciplinary program offered by the College of Engineering and Computing that can be completed in 18 months.

View general online master’s program information.

31. Indiana Tech

Time to Degree Completion: 12*-14 Months

At Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, IN, there’s an accelerated master’s degree option for both graduate and undergraduate students. The standalone graduate program that can be completed the quickest is the Master of Business Administration – Professional Studies degree program. Over the course of 14 months – or potentially even less time – graduate students complete an MBA program with a curriculum customized to their unique interests and goals.

For Indiana Tech undergraduates, the path to a graduate business degree may be even shorter. Indiana Tech offers a Fast Track program that shortens undergraduate study in subjects like business administration and accounting to just three years and puts the student on the path to complete an MBA or a Master of Science in Management in just two additional semesters of full-time study. (Although the graduate program isn’t an option, the three-year bachelor’s degree format is also available to undergraduates majoring in criminal justice, psychology, pre-law, communication and recreation therapy.)

Indiana Tech is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

32. Grand Canyon University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit Christian institution of higher learning in Phoenix, AZ. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university’s online programs commonly have a shorter course duration and offer 52 start dates per year, so prospective students don’t need to wait long to start working toward their master’s degrees.

You can earn a graduate business degree in 12 to 18 months at Grand Canyon University, but doing so is a little tricky. Both the Online Master of Business Administration degree and the Master of Business Administration in Leadership degree are meant to take just shy of two years of study (22 months). However, if you already have a business administration background, you can get certain fundamental MBA courses waived to shorten the curriculum to 18 months. If you’re willing to double up on your courses at least three times during your studies, you could reduce the time it takes to graduate down to just 12 months.

If you’re not eager to make so many adjustments to shrink the time it takes to earn a graduate degree, Grand Canyon University does offer an online Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity that is designed to be completed in 18 months. Like the MBA degree (assuming no waived course requirements or doubling up on classes), the Master of Science in Computer Science degree program can be completed in under two years.

View general online master’s program information.

33. University of New England

Time to Degree Completion: 16-24 Months

As the largest private university in Maine, the University of New England – regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education – has some excellent options to offer online graduate students, including those looking for a quick way to improve their credentials.

This university is credited with having offered the first fully online asynchronous accredited Master of Social Work degree program in the country, but that isn’t the only reason this school’s online MSW program is special. While the traditional program requires three years of study to complete, the advanced standing MSW program is the fastest online graduate degree option at this school, with a completion time of 16 months. The next fastest master’s degree options are the Master of Public Health and the Master of Healthcare Administration degrees, both of which can be completed in as little as 18 months.

Additionally, all four of the online Master of Science in Education degree programs offered at this institution – the general MSEd as well as specializations in Educational Leadership, Reading Specialist and Inclusion Education – may be completed in just under two years of study.

View general online master’s program information.

34. Rivier University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Rivier University in Nashua, NH, offers three online master’s degree programs that students can complete in just one year. The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems degree combines technical and business coursework to prepare students for roles like system architect, integrated systems designer, quality assurance analyst and information technology project manager.

Most of the MBA programs offered by Rivier University are two-year degree programs. However, two of these options – the MBA in Management and the MBA in Information Technology Management – can be completed in only one year.

Rivier University is embracing “open educational resources” over traditional (and expensive) textbooks, which is good news for students. Using a textb00k-free format for the MBA in Management degree program is saving students approximately $1,500 dollars, according to the school. The university is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

View general online master’s program information.

35. Columbia College

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Columbia College in Missouri offers online master’s degrees in the fields of business administration, education and criminal justice. With six eight-week terms per year, students only have to take two courses per term to complete all of the requirements for a master’s degree in just 12 months. It’s an intensive workload, certainly, but it’s doable, especially if you’re able to make graduate school your full-time focus.

Another option to speed up your education in business, specifically, is by applying to Columbia College as an undergraduate and taking advantage of the combined undergraduate and graduate Accelerated MBA program to start working toward your master’s-level studies early – and have your first graduate-level classes count toward both degrees.

Columbia College is a liberal arts and sciences college that has garnered national recognition. The private nonprofit institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

36. South University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

South University in Savannah, GA, is a private university that dates back to 1899. The fastest program at South University is the Master of Science in Human Resources Management degree, which can be completed in as little as 12 months.

A number of other degree programs, including the Master of Public Administration, the general Master of Business Administration and the Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration, can be completed in as little as 16 months.

South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

37. Upper Iowa University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA, offers half a dozen online master’s degrees in various fields. For students in search of a fast online graduate degree, the standout program at Upper Iowa University is the Master of Healthcare Administration, a degree that the school advertises as taking as little as one year to complete.

Online learning at Upper Iowa University involves taking up to two courses per session, although graduate students more commonly focus on one class per session. There are two eight-week sessions in a traditional fall or spring semester, plus an accelerated six-week session in the summer.

Upper Iowa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

View general online master’s program information.

38. George Washington University

Time to Degree Completion: 12-18 Months

George Washington University in Washington, D.C., offers more than half a dozen online master’s degree options, many in subjects that are fitting for the school’s location in the nation’s capital: homeland security, cybersecurity, political management and more. The private but federally chartered research institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The fastest online master’s degrees offered through George Washington University can be completed in as little as one year. These degrees include the Master in Management degree, the Master of Studies in Law degree, the Master of International Policy and Practice degree and the Master of Public Health degree, which is also available in an 18-month format. Both the Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy & Information Management and the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security degree programs can be completed in 16 months.

View general online master’s program information.

39. University of Florida

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

At the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL, online students can pursue graduate-level studies in 85 programs in a variety of subject areas. For students interested in the fastest online master’s degrees available, a program that will be of particular interest is the University of Florida’s one-year Master of Science in Management. This accelerated degree program consists of eight-week periods and involves a workload so intense that students are advised not to attempt to work full-time during their studies.

The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

View general online master’s program information.

40. Widener University

Time to Degree Completion: 12 Months

Widener University in Chester, PA, offers accelerated master’s degree programs that stand on their own as well as combination master’s and bachelor’s degree options.

Among the fully online one-year master’s degree programs available are the allied health Master of Education and the Master of Arts in Organizational Development & Leadership. Online students in the one-year Master of Business Administration degree program can pursue a concentration in business process innovation, investment management and organizational leadership.

The Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program can put undergraduate students at Widener University on the path to a quick master’s degree from the start. In addition to directly corresponding master’s degrees in fields like business, engineering and social work, students in any major can leverage this program to quickly pursue a graduate degree in business administration, organizational leadership, public administration, allied health education or criminal justice.

View general online master’s program information.

The Benefits of Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs

Completing your master’s degree program quickly can be valuable in many ways. In accelerated master’s degree programs, online students generally complete the same rigorous coursework that students in a traditional, campus-based two-year degree program would. Whether students are pursuing an online MS, an online MA or another type of online master degree, they take required core courses and, often, more specialized elective courses. However, they get through these core courses faster by carrying an intense and difficult workload.

Financially, this choice to pursue one of the fastest online master’s degrees is a wise one. Spending a shorter amount of time overall in school typically translates to paying less money in tuition, and if you’re borrowing the money to get your master’s degree, it means less student debt on which to be charged ever-growing amounts of interest. There is also an opportunity cost of staying in school longer – the money that you’re missing out on each year you’re not out in the workforce putting your degree to work full-time – that you minimize when you are able to complete your master’s degree program faster than is usually expected.

Related Resources:

• 25 Cheapest Online Master’s Degree Programs
• Easiest Online Master’s Degrees
• 50 Best Online Master’s Degrees 2021
• Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees
• The 20 Best Online Masters in Liberal Arts Degree Programs
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering Degrees
• The 20 Best Online Masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis Degrees
• The 10 Best Online Masters in Chemical Engineering Degrees
• The 20 Best Online Master’s In Communications Degree Programs
• The 20 Best Online Masters in Computer Science Degree Programs
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Creative Writing
• The 20 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Cyber Security
• The 10 Best Online Masters in Economics
• The 20 Best Online Masters in Environmental Studies
• The 25 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Homeland Security
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Hospitality Management
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Information Systems
• The 25 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Information Technology (IT)
• The 20 Best Online Master’s in Library Science Degree Programs
• The 10 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Education
• The 20 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Nutrition
• Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice
• The 20 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Public Health
• The 20 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Recreation, Tourism, and Coaching
• My Undergraduate Degree is Not in the Same Field as What I Want to Get My Master’s in. Will I Be Able to Get into a Program?

For Further Reading: 

• What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be an Intelligence Analyst?

The post The 40 Fastest Online Master’s Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Secrets to Getting Accepted Into Top Physician Assistant Schools

Gaining acceptance into top physician assistant programs requires understanding the competitive application process, crafting a compelling personal statement that reveals your passion, and pursuing meaningful experiences in healthcare. You’ll also need to secure letters of recommendation highlighting your strengths and prepare to ace the PA school interview.

Top PA programs seek candidates who exhibit a deep understanding of the PA role and possess a combination of academic excellence, healthcare exposure, and personal attributes that align with their institution’s values. Our insights with this process aim to highlight the pathways prospective students can follow to enhance their chances of acceptance.

Understand the PA School Application Process

To secure a spot in a top Physician Assistant (PA) school, it’s crucial to have a thorough understanding of the application process. Knowing the prerequisites, the timeline, and meeting deadlines are the cornerstones to crafting a successful application.

Prerequisites and Requirements

Research each program’s requirements well before applying to make sure your application showcases the necessary credentials.

• Healthcare experience: Most programs require healthcare experience with a minimum number of hours. It’s essential to accumulate this experience in various roles to display a well-rounded understanding of healthcare.
• Academic criteria: A strong academic background is non-negotiable. Programs typically look for a minimum overall GPA and science GPA, often around 3.0 or higher.
• GRE Scores: Many schools also require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and set specific target scores for applicants, usually a combined score of 300 or higher.

Timeline and Deadlines

Preparing a timeline helps to keep track throughout the application cycle. This ensures you don’t miss any crucial steps or deadlines.

• Application services: The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) usually opens in late April. Keep your application ready to submit as early as possible.
• Supplemental applications: Following the CASPA submission, schools may have additional requirements or supplemental applications with their own deadlines.
• Interviews: Interviews typically occur between August and November, so be prepared in advance.

Craft a Stand-Out Personal Statement

The personal statement is the heartbeat of your physician assistant school application. It’s where you become more than just numbers and academic records. Here’s what we normally recommend when crafting statements that can resonate with admissions committees and help secure a spot in your desired program.

Key Elements of a Persuasive Statement

Persuasive statements are critical for admissions personal statements because they convince reviewers that you have the passion, experiences, and goals that align with the program. Skillfully making a case for yourself will make your essay more compelling.

• Authenticity: According to an American Psychological Association study, persuasive messages that appeal to a person’s values and emotions can change behaviors and attitudes. Your statement should reflect a genuine passion for the medical field and illustrate your understanding of the PA profession.
• Relevant experiences: Showcase your experiences in healthcare that have prepared you for the rigors of PA school. Make sure they align with the values and specifics of the programs you’re applying to.
• Clarity of purpose: Articulate why you want to become a PA, drawing a clear line from your past experiences to your future ambitions. It’s crucial to demonstrate your clear and rational motivation for entering the profession.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing the common mistakes to avoid in personal statements is crucial for success. Thoughtful self-editing can help your essay avoid pitfalls like an impersonal tone, repetition, grammatical errors, and other weaknesses that undermine impact.

• Being vague: Avoiding general statements. Instead, provide specific examples to support claims about your skills and character.
• Cliches: Steering clear of cliches keeps your statement fresh and engaging. Admissions committees have read countless variations of the same statements.
• Ignoring the school’s vision: Every PA program has a unique set of values and mission. Your personal statement should mirror the specific ethos of the schools you’re applying to.

Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are vital for an effective personal statement. The ability to convey complex ideas clearly while telling your story in an authentic, succinct way is key to writing a memorable essay.

• Clarity and conciseness: Your writing should be clear and to the point. Brevity is the key. This helps convey your thoughts in an articulate manner.
• Engagement: Write in a way that engages readers, making your statement memorable. Strong communication skills here mean crafting an interesting narrative that evokes a positive response from the reader.

Gain Relevant Experience

Gaining relevant experience is essential. A real-world understanding of healthcare greatly improves a candidate’s quality.

• Healthcare experience: Most PA schools necessitate prospective students to have substantial hands-on experience. It often entails working in clinical settings such as hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. This involves accumulating a certain number of direct patient care hours, often around 1,000 to 4,000 hours.
• Shadow certified PAs: Shadowing certified physician assistants provide an insider’s view of the profession. It exposes you to the daily routines and responsibilities of PAs. It often leads to mentorship opportunities and professional references.
• Volunteer work and community service: Engaging in volunteer work and community service elucidates character traits that PA programs admire, such as empathy and altruism. Volunteering includes providing non-medical support in healthcare settings and participating in public health initiatives or health education programs.

Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation

Strong letters of recommendation are your advocates, painting a vivid picture of your unique qualities and aptitude for the PA program. To start, it’s beneficial to have a diverse set of endorsers. A healthcare provider, a professor, and a work supervisor can provide complementary perspectives on your skills and character.

• Select recommenders who know you well.
• Request letters early to give writers ample time.
• Provide a brief on your achievements and experiences for reference.

Schools look for students who excel academically while also demonstrating integrity, empathy, and resilience — traits essential for healthcare professionals.

Ace the PA School Interview

The key to acing your PA school interview lies in preparedness and presentation. Knowing the types of questions you’ll face and how to conduct yourself can set you apart from other applicants.

Common Questions

One of the best strategies is to familiarize yourself with the typical questions interviewers ask. Here are a few to consider:

• Why do you want to be a PA? They’re looking for genuine passion, not generic answers.
• Tell me about an ethical dilemma you’ve faced and how you handled it. This is to assess your moral reasoning and decision-making.
• Describe a situation where you displayed leadership. This indicates your potential to take initiative.

It’s also wise to review your application thoroughly. Questions often stem from the experiences you’ve listed.

Interview Etiquette and Tips

First impressions are vital, so here are some tips to consider:

• Maintain good eye contact to show confidence and interest.
• Offer a firm handshake. It speaks volumes about your personality.
• Be ready with thoughtful questions to ask the interview panel. It shows you’re proactive and engaged with the process.
• According to 55% of interviewers, applicants respecting dress codes create excellent first impressions.
• Keep the dialogue natural and exhibit qualities like empathy, integrity, and humility.

Related Questions

How Do You Get into a Top Physician Assistant School?

To secure a spot in a top PA school, candidates should have substantial healthcare experience, as most schools prefer applicants with around three years in the field. Aspiring PA students need to showcase a deep understanding of the PA role through personal statements and interviews, an aspect critical to top programs. 

How Do I Stand out on My Physician Assistant School Application?

Standing out means highlighting unique aspects of your healthcare journey while aligning with the values and expectations of the PA program. It also helps to construct a compelling narrative in their personal statements, reflecting your dedication to medicine and the specific attributes you can bring to the PA profession.

How Can I Be Successful in PA School?

One approach to succeeding in physician assistant school centers on developing a proactive study plan and embracing the collaborative culture typical of PA programs. Form study groups and seek mentorship, as mutual support and guidance from peers and professors can be pivotal in navigating the challenging journey through PA school.

Conclusion

By leveraging expert advice, highlighting your passion through your personal statement, pursuing meaningful healthcare experiences, acing the interview, and demonstrating emotional intelligence, you can unlock your potential for acceptance into leading PA degree programs. With grit and strategic preparation, you can join the ranks of successful students at renowned institutions.

The post Secrets to Getting Accepted Into Top Physician Assistant Schools appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

How much does a surgeon make a year? The highest-paid doctors – most of whom are surgeons – earn as much as $600,000 to $700,000 or more per year. Doctors’ earnings depend on the medical specialty they practice.

The Average Salary of a Doctor

No one ever said becoming a doctor was easy. Medical school is competitive, rigorous and expensive. The training takes persistence. Even well into your career as a doctor, the work continues to be strenuous and demanding. Physicians and surgeons often work schedules with long, unpredictable hours. They may also work on-call.

Of course, there are upsides, too. The hard work yields a high-paying career – and the opportunity to provide hope and healing to patients of all ages.

If you’re going to invest time, effort and money to earn your medical degree, then you want your medical career to be rewarding enough – financially and otherwise – to make your work worthwhile.

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

For all types of physicians and surgeons, the median annual salary as of 2022 amounted to $229,300, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. Many of the most popular and recognizable doctor specialties paid well above this amount, including:

• Anesthesiologists
• Neurologists
• Orthopedic surgeons
• Radiologists
• Cardiologists
• Dermatologists
• Emergency medicine physicians

For all of these medical specialties, the median wage reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics equaled or exceeded $239,200 in 2022.

Becoming a doctor requires going to medical school. In the United States, accredited medical schools award either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Although MD-granting schools are more common, graduates from DO-granting medical schools are equally qualified.

If you’re concerned about a possible difference in MD vs DO salary, you should know that the type of medical degree alone has little direct impact on earnings. Doctors with both qualifications earn comparable salaries when adjusted for specialty and geographic location. MDs are generally more likely to pursue medical specialties that pay higher salaries. On the other hand, DOs tend to gravitate more toward family medicine and primary care. However, an MD who goes into family medicine generally earns the same as a DO in this field. A DO who undergoes the extra training to work in a high-paying specialty can make just as much money as their peers with MDs.

Within the field of medicine, doctors’ earnings vary substantially from one specialty to the next. In its 2023 Physician Compensation Report, Medscape concluded that specialists earned more than $117,000 per year above what primary care physicians made. Primary physicians reported earnings of $265,000, Medscape reported. For specialists, the average earnings amounted to $382,000. Specialists’ current average earnings represent a significant increase from the $284,000 per year on average salary Medscape reported in 2015.

The Highest-Paid Medical Specialties

Beyond the distinction between primary physician and specialist earnings, the biggest factor in how much doctors make is what specialty they practice.

Which are the highest-paying medical specialties? Our list of the top 15 highest-paying medical specialties draws upon current physician compensation data. Below, we delve into the data to identify which specialties pay the most money – and what to expect working in them.

1. Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is the highest-paid specialty in the medical profession. Neurosurgeons aren’t just the highest-paid surgeons in the United States. They’re the highest-paid medical specialty, period. Their average earnings topped $700,000 per year in 2023.

Neurosurgeons diagnose and treat patients suffering from brain-related illness or injury. As such, neurosurgeons must have experience and expertise with the brain, spine, spinal cord and nervous system. Within this medical specialty, neurosurgeons can specialize in adult or infant and child treatment. 

The work neurosurgeons do includes:

• Performing spinal surgery and brain surgery
• Removing tumors
• Caring for brain and spine infections and injuries
• Treating strokes and degenerative disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease
• Diagnosing and treating chronic pain, seizures and epilepsy 
• Interpreting radiological studies

So, how much does the highest-paid doctor make? In its 2023 Physician Compensation Report, the professional medical network Doximity reported an average annual compensation amount of $788,313 for the specialty of neurosurgery.

Salary.com listed the average salary for this specialty as $666,401 in September 2023. The salary range for the neurosurgeons, Salary.com reported, was between $501,801 and $843,301.

Neurosurgery impacts the life of a patient because the nervous system affects all areas of the body. Though the training is extensive, a neurosurgeon provides a significant contribution to the medical field. 

What they do: Brain, spine and nervous system surgery 

Annual earnings: $788,313

Training: 1 year internship in general surgery, 5-7 years in neurosurgery residency program

2. Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgeon is another of the highest-paying medical jobs. Thoracic surgeons perform chest surgery. Though both open and minimally invasive techniques, they perform procedures such as:

• Tracheal resection 
• Transthoracic esophagectomy
• Lung tumor removal
• Surgical repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm
• Heart valve repair

For the specialty of thoracic surgery, Doximity reported a 2022 average compensation amount of $706,775.

What they do: Chest surgery

Annual earnings: $706,775

Training: 5 years of general surgery, 2-3 years of specialized cardiothoracic surgery residency

3. Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgeons are another of the highest-paying doctors out there.

These surgeons treat injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Treating the musculoskeletal system means working on the spine, extremities and related structures.

Orthopedic surgeons treat:

• Patients who suffered injuries in a trauma
• Congenital (from birth) conditions
• Infections
• Cancer
• Degenerative (progressive) diseases

Even within the specialty of orthopedic surgery, there are numerous subspecialties. Some orthopedic surgeons work exclusively on procedures on the hand or foot and ankle. They may also focus on a particular type of condition, like cancer (oncology) or sports injuries (sports medicine).

Some of the specific work orthopedic surgeons perform includes:

• Setting broken bones
• Replacing damaged joints
• Repairing injured tendons
• Surgically removing tumors

Doximity’s report put the average annual compensation for orthopedic surgery at $624,043 for 2022. Salary.com reported a national average salary of $532,770 as of September 2023, listing a salary range between $418,850 and $689,230. Different sources cite different earnings for the specialty, but it consistently ranks high on the list.

What They Do: Surgical procedures on the musculoskeletal system

Annual Earnings: $624,043

Training: 5 years

4. Plastic/ Reconstructive Surgery

lastic surgeons are the physicians who devote their careers to medical aesthetics and reconstruction. These are also some of the highest-paying medical jobs.

Plastic surgeons may work on virtually any visual body part. The medical procedures they perform may seek to improve or alter aspects of a patient’s body like the following:

• The appearance of the skin
• The shape of the torso, breasts, and limbs
• External reproductive structures

The goal of cosmetic surgery is often to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the body. Some plastic surgery procedures are reconstructive. Through these procedures, plastic surgeons seek to repair damage done by an injury, congenital defects or disease. This damage may affects function as well as appearance. As such, plastic surgery may have functional as well as aesthetic effects on patients’ lives.

To achieve the appearance improvements desired by their patients, plastic surgeons use methods such as:

• Skin grafts
• Implants
• Liposuction techniques
• Tissue transfers

As with other specialties, plastic surgery includes subspecialties. Examples of plastic surgery subspecialties include surgery on the head and face (craniofacial surgery) and plastic surgery treatments for serious burns.

The average plastic surgeon salary Doximity reported for 2022 amounted to $571,373. Salary.com reported a national average of $430,139 in September 202. The salary range for plastic surgeons, Salary.com reported, was between $359,592 and $533,755.

 What They Do: Cosmetic procedures

Annual Earnings: $571,373

Training: 2 years

5. Vascular Surgery

Another of the best-paying specialty healthcare fields is vascular surgery. Vascular surgery is a specialty that encompasses surgery and other forms of treatment of disease of the veins and arteries. Vascular surgeons use minimally-invasive procedures and non-surgical methods of treating these disorders as well as more invasive methods of surgery. Types of procedures vascular surgeons perform include:

• Varicose vein treatment (surgical and non-surgical)
• Lower limb revascularization
• Carotid artery surgery
• Angioplasty and other stenting procedures

For the specialty of vascular surgery, Doximity reported a 2022 annual compensation amount of $557,632.

What they do: Treatment of and surgery on the veins

Annual earnings: $557,632

Training: 6-7 years of general surgery and vascular surgery training

6. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Another of the best-paying jobs in health care is oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgical procedures in the area of the jaw, mouth and face. Surgically removing impacted wisdom teeth is one routine procedure oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform. These medical doctors also perform oral reconstructive surgery for patients who have suffered facial trauma. They may insert dental implants, treat misaligned jaws and surgically repair cleft lip and cleft palate.

The average annual compensation for the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery was $556,642 in 2022, Doximity reported.

What they do: Dental surgery

Annual earnings: $556,642

Training: At least 4 years

7. Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncology is another of the best-paying health care jobs. Oncology is the field of medicine that refers to the treatment of cancer. Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that treats cancer through the use of ionizing radiation technology. Radiation oncologists play a part in creating treatment plans for cancer patients. They oversee the radiation treatments and assess the progress of radiation treatments on cancer.

Doximity reported an average annual compensation amount of $547,026 for the radiation oncology profession as of 2022.

What they do:  Treat cancer with radiation therapy

Annual earnings: $547,026

Training: 5 years, including 4 years of specialized training in radiation oncology

8. Cardiology

If you don’t mind the pressure of holding a patient’s heart in your hands, consider another of the highest-paying medical jobs: cardiology.

Cardiologists specialize in heart health. They assess heart function and cardiovascular health through blood flow, blood pressure and other health indicators. The work cardiologists do include:

• Ordering diagnostic tests
• Performing procedures
• Prescribing medication to improve suboptimal heart health

These doctors may work with patients who are in the advanced stages of heart failure. Some of their patients may need transplants. Invasive cardiologists are surgeons who carry out procedures such as repairing damaged heart valves, inserting pacemakers or defibrillators and performing heart bypass operations.

As a whole, the specialty of cardiology reported an average compensation amount of $544,201 in 2022, according to Doximity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics put the median earnings for cardiologists at $421,330 as of 2022.

Cardiology in general is a rewarding career choice, but one subspecialty is particularly lucrative. Invasive cardiologists earned $611,000 per year as of 2021, Becker’s ASC Review reported. Those earnings eclipsed the average salary for noninvasive cardiologists – $446,000 – by $165,000.

What They Do: Heart health and surgery

Annual Earnings: $544,201

Training: 1 year of subspecialty training on top of 3 years of general cardiology training

9. Urology

Next on our list of high-paying medical jobs is urologist. Urology is the medical specialty that focuses on the health of the urinary tract of any gender and the reproductive system of male patients.

Several organs and structures fall under the domain of urologists. These organs include the:

• Bladder
• Kidney
• Prostate
• Urethra
• Male genitals

Urologists diagnose and treat:

• Urinary tract and bladder infections
• Difficulty urinating
• Incontinence
• Kidney stones
• Enlarged prostate
• Male infertility

The field of urology paid an average annual compensation amount of $505,745, Doximity’s 2023 report concluded. Salary.com reported a national average salary of $413,880 for urologists, with a salary range between $363,220 and $482,710.

What They Do: Urinary tract

Annual Earnings: $505,745

Training: 5 years

10. Radiology

Radiology is another of the best-paying health care jobs. This medical specialty revolves around the use of nuclear radiation for medical purposes. Applications of radiology range from diagnostic tests to radiation treatments. Radiologists work in hospitals, imaging facilities and other healthcare settings. 

Diagnostic radiologists read and interpret diagnostic imaging tests such as:

• X-rays
• Ultrasounds
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs)

Radiologists may also serve interventional roles. For example, they may facilitate image-guided therapy and administer radiation to cancer patients.

Often, radiologists specialize in imaging different regions of the body. Examples include specializing in chest and cardiac imaging, abdominal imaging and performing mammograms to screen for breast cancer.

For the medical specialty of radiology, Doximity reported an average compensation of $503,564 for 2022. The average salary for this medical doctor according to Salary.com was $452,890. The salary range stretched from $393,790 to $523,890.

What They Do: Diagnostic testing and radiation treatments

Annual Earnings: $503,564

Training: 5 years

11. Gastroenterology

Another of the highest-paying medical specialties in the healthcare industry is gastroenterology.

Gastroenterologists treat disorders that occur in every part of the digestive system. Their area of focus includes the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Bowels
• Gallbladder
• Pancreas
• Liver
• Other organs in the abdominal cavity

As part of the specialty of internal medicine, gastroenterology focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions like:

• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Acid reflux
• Ulcers
• Pain

These specialists play a role in preventing and diagnosing cancers of the digestive organs, including esophageal and colon cancer. Gastroenterologists perform minimally invasive procedures and diagnostic tests like endoscopies, which allow doctors to see inside the gastrointestinal organs.

The average compensation for the gastroenterology medical specialty amounted to $496,667 in 2022, according to Doximity. From Salary.com, the average gastroenterologist salary was $414,300 in September 2023, with the larger salary range between $349,800 and $489,200.

What They Do: Digestive health

Annual Earnings: $496,667

Training: 3 years of subspecialty training on top of 3 years of internal medicine training

12. Otolaryngology (ENT)

Of all the well-paying medical jobs in the healthcare industry, otolaryngology may be among the biggest mouthfuls to say aloud. This medical specialtiy is better known by the abbreviation ENT, for ear, nose and throat. ENTs provide medical and surgical care of the head and neck. Medical conditions an ENT might address include:

• Hearing disorders
• Speech disorders
• Swallowing disorders
• Breathing disorders
• Sinus disorders

For the field of otolaryngology, Doximity reported a 2022 average compensation amount of $488,536 per year.

What they do:  Ear, nose and throat medicine and surgery

Annual earnings: $488,536

Training: 5 years, including 1 year of surgical training and 3 years of general otolaryngology training

13. Dermatology

One of the best-paying jobs in health care is dermatologist. A dermatologist is the medical doctor who diagnoses and treats skin disorders of all kinds, from acne to cancer. As the largest organ of the body, it’s no wonder skin gets its own specialist.

Dermatologists perform routine skin examinations to screen for signs of melanoma or other forms of skin cancer. During these exams, they track any changes in the appearance or location of moles.

Another job duty for dermatologists is performing diagnostic tests like biopsies on unusual skin conditions and changes. Dermatologists treat skin allergies, infections, eczema and other conditions. Many dermatologists also perform cosmetic procedures. These cosmetic procedures range from laser surgery and excisions of unwanted skin conditions and markings to liposuction, chemical peels and injections of dermal fillers like Botox.

The average compensation Doximity reported for the specialty of dermatology for 2022 was $468,509 per year. That’s well above the $327,650 average salary the BLS listed based on 2022 data.

What They Do: Skin health

Annual Earnings: $468,509

Training: 4 years

14.  Anesthesiology

Anesthesiologists are the doctors responsible for keeping patients pain-free, sedated or unconscious during surgical procedures. The important job comes with a great deal of responsibility and a high earning potential that makes anesthesiologist one of the highest-paying jobs in the health care industry.

Though not surgeons themselves, anesthesiologists work primarily with patients undergoing surgery. They prepare the patient for diagnostic procedures and operations that would be painful or uncomfortable by administering anesthetics. Anesthetics are pain relief medications.

During surgery, anesthesiologists observe the patient for any signs of pain or stress and adjust pain medications accordingly. They pay attention to indicators like the patient’s:

• Pulse
• Blood pressure
• Breathing
• Body temperature
• Other vital signs

Anesthesiologists also monitor patients after surgery and contribute to postoperative care.

Outside of surgical applications, anesthesiologists also use their expertise in pain medications to help patients find effective and safe pain relief. The patients to whom anesthesiologists provide services include:

• Patients suffering from chronic pain
• Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU)
• Mothers going through childbirth

According to Doximity, the anesthesiology profession reported an average compensation amount of $462,506 per year for 2022. Salary.com reported an average salary of $424,600 for the profession in September 2023, with a salary range between $367,900 and $481,400.

What They Do: Pain relief during surgery

Annual Earnings: $462,506

Training: 4 years

15. General Surgery

Many of the specialties on our list of high-paying medical jobs are, well, highly specialized. Prospective doctors may be wondering “How much does a general surgeon make?”

General surgery rounds out the top 15 highest-paying medical specialties. Many other specialties – including some among the highest-paying, like orthopedic surgery and invasive cardiology – practice surgery. These surgeons are not general surgeons, however.

A doctor who specializes in general surgery has a broad base of knowledge. This knowledge allows them to treat a wide range of medical conditions through operations with specialized tools.

Most general surgeons perform procedures that involve the skin, neck, breasts, abdomen and arteries. Typically, general surgeons refer patients with orthopedic, neurologic, cardiac and similar conditions to surgeons in the appropriate specialties. General surgeons work with their patients throughout the surgical process, from diagnosing the medical condition that requires surgery and prepping them for the procedure to providing postoperative care.

So, how much do general surgeons make? Doximity put their average compensation at $451,489 per year for 2022.

What They Do: Operations

Annual Earnings: $451,489

Training: 5 years

The Medical Specialty With the Highest Compensation Growth: Emergency Medicine Physician

For emergency medicine physicians, Doximity reported a 2022 average compensation amount of $385,554. Although this income isn’t enough to rank emergency medicine among the highest-paying specialties, it does represent a 6.2% growth in compensation compared to 2021, which marks it as the specialty with the greatest compensation growth.

Emergency medicine is what it sounds like – the specialty that focuses on caring for and stabilizing patients during medical emergencies.

In a medical emergency, doctors have to act fast. Making the wrong decision could endanger the patient’s life or leave them with permanent disabilities, but so could waiting too long to take action. Specialists in emergency medicine work in both emergency departments and pre-hospital settings to recognize and treat acute diseases and severe injuries. Quick and accurate decision-making is essential to saving the lives of emergency patients. These physicians need a strong background in clinical and technical skills and a breadth of medical knowledge to draw from when evaluating patients and planning patient care.

What They Do: Emergency care

Annual Earnings: $345,000

Training: 3 years

The Highest-Paying Jobs in Health Care Without a Medical Doctorate

Doctors are the health care professionals with the highest earnings. However, there are plenty of other high-paying jobs in the health care industry for those who don’t want to invest the time and money into medical school. Some of the best-paying health care jobs without an MD or DO degree include the following.

Advanced Practice Nurse

One of the best-paying health care jobs is advanced practice registered nurse. Advanced practice registered nurses have a master’s degree and advanced training. This education and clinical training qualifies advanced practice registered nurses to provide primary and specialty healthcare, prescribe medications and make diagnoses.

Types of advanced practice registered nurses include:

• Nurse practitioners in a variety of medical specialties
• Nurse midwives
• Nurse anesthetists

The median salary for an advanced practice registered nurse was $125,900 in 2022, the BLS reported. Nurse anesthetist was the highest-paid APRN role, with a median wage of $203,090. For nurse practitioner, the median salary was $121,610. Nurse midwives earned a median wage of $120,880.

RELATED: What is the Average Salary for a Nurse Practitioner?

Physician Assistant

Physician assistant is another of the best-paid jobs in health care. Physician assistants, or PAs, provide direct care to patients in clinical settings. They can prescribe medications, order tests and diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses. Physician assistants work under the supervision of a fully credentialed and licensed doctor who has a doctorate in either allopathic or osteopathic medicine.

Like nurse practitioners, physician assistants can qualify for the position with only a master’s degree. A physician assistant can also choose to work in one of any number of medical specialties.

The median annual salary the BLS reported for physician assistant in 2022 was $126,010 

Physical Therapist

Another of the best-paying health care jobs is physical therapist. These health care professionals provide therapy to improve patients’ physical strength, range of mobility and function. Over time, physical therapy can also reduce or alleviate pain that accompanies movement.

RELATED: What Is the Salary Range for a PA?

Some of the methods physical therapists use include:

• Stretching
• Exercises
• Hands-on therapy
• Use of mobility aids and other equipment

A physical therapist needs a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, as well as a license to practice.

The median salary the BLS reported for the physical therapist occupation in 2022 was $97,720. Physical therapists in the home healthcare services industry made the most, with a median salary of $105,130. Nursing homes and hospitals are other environments where a physical therapy career paid a median wage above $100,000. The near six-figure median salary makes this one of the best-paid jobs in health care.

Occupational Therapist

Like physical therapists, occupational therapists are healthcare professionals whose work allows patients to live fuller and healthier lives. This is another of the medical jobs in the healthcare industry that you can earn with a master’s degree. An occupational therapist helps people with injuries, illnesses or disabilities develop the skills they need for day-to-day tasks of living and working.

Occupational therapy encompasses exercises through which patients can gain and strengthen skills. Occupational therapists also teach patients workarounds, like using eating and mobility aids and implementing labeling systems, that allow them to cope with physical or cognitive limitations. Some of the patient populations that can benefit from occupational therapy include:

• People with cognitive and developmental disabilities
• Survivors of traumatic brain injuries, strokes and spinal cord injuries
• People with chronic disabilities or medical conditions
• Elderly patients with dementia

The median wage for the occupational therapist as of 2022 was $93,180, the BLS reported.

RELATED: Recommended Accredited Online Medical Degrees

Editor’s Note: The earnings, training requirements and responsibilities listed in this article are meant as a guide only for aspiring doctors to do their own research into the medical specialties that interest them. As noted in the article, even credible publications may report vastly different wages for physicians of the same specialties. Training information presented in this article comes from the Association of American Medical Colleges, does not include time spent in medical earning an MD or DO and is subject to change.

More Rankings of Interest:

• Top 25 Medical Schools
• Top 25 Fastest Online Doctorate Degrees
• 15 Top Degrees for the Highest-Paying Business Careers
• 24 Fastest Online Associate’s Degrees

Related Resources: 

• What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

The post The Best-Paying Jobs in Health Care: Top 15 Highest-Paying Medical Specialties appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What Are Physician Assistant Programs?

Physician assistant degrees are graduate degrees in medicine that prepare students for clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed physician.

Unlike the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree programs, physician assistant degrees aren’t doctorates but rather master’s degrees.

RELATED: Do PAs Go to Medical School?

PA master’s degree programs take considerably less time than medical school does. Physician assistant degrees typically take two to three years, while medical school takes four years to finish. Additionally, while newly trained physicians still have to go through years of internship and residency training, PAs are ready to get started in their career field shortly after graduating with their physician assistant degrees.

RELATED: Top 25 Medical Schools

In most accredited physician assistant programs, students complete at least one year of classroom study, called the didactic phase of their education, and at least one year of clinical training. During the clinical component of their studies, PA students in most physician assistant programs complete rotations in several areas of medicine.

Before you can apply to a PA master’s degree program, you generally need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Most students major in a science- or health-related program of study while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The courses you complete when pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a subject such as pre-PA studies, pre-medical studies, medical science, health sciences and other science-related areas prepare you for the science-heavy curriculum found in most accredited physician assistant programs.

The Work of Physician Assistants

Physician assistants perform many of the same tasks as doctors. They take patient histories, perform physical exams, order tests, make diagnoses and order, administer and prescribe treatments, including medication. However, PAs are not doctors. Rather, they are licensed medical professionals with an advanced education who must work under the eye of a supervising physician.

RELATED: Can a PA Prescribe Medication?

What to Look for in the Best Physician Assistant Schools

How do you decide which schools offer the best master’s degree programs for physician assistants? To come up with our list of the best physician assistant degrees, we looked at the following factors:

• Accreditation: Students should choose a physician assistant program that has earned accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Choosing an accredited physician assistant studies program is essential when preparing for a career as a licensed PA. We included only ARC-PA accredited programs in our ranking of the best physician assistant degrees and programs.
• PANCE scores: Individual schools report their students’ performance on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), the licensing exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The national average pass rate for the PANCE is 93% for first-time test-takers and 91% for all test-takers.
• Graduation rate: Ideally, the vast majority of students accepted into a PA school’s cohort will successfully graduate on time. Most physician assistant programs on our list report a high graduation rate.
• Cost of attendance: PA school isn’t cheap, but we included in our ranking the cost of attendance. Students seeking physician assistant degrees should keep in mind that financial aid packages can make the cost of an education more affordable.
• Overall reputation and rankings: Schools’ reputations matter, and looking at rankings from other publications can provide a glimpse into how schools of medicine, health sciences and health professions are perceived. In particular, we considered the Best Physician Assistant Programs ranking U.S. News & World Report compiled in 2019.

Other factors to consider when evaluating the best physician assistant schools might include time to completion, specialization opportunities, flexibility and program options.

RELATED: When I Have Completed a PA Program, Can I Work in Any State?

The Best 25 PA Schools Ranked

1. University of Iowa

Students pursuing physician assistant degrees at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, are high achievers – as you might expect from a program this competitive. On average, the University of Iowa interviews 120 applicants, all vying for one of only 25 open seats. By the time they finish their 28-month program, students are equipped with the skills to perform some of the health tasks normally undertaken by a primary care physician (in accordance with the scope of a PA’s work).

Graduates of this physician assistant program also achieve impressive PANCE scores. The PA Class of 2021 at the University of Iowa achieved a 100% pass rate on the certification exam. Additionally, the past five years of data show that over 99% of each year’s students graduate from the program. The school is also tied for first place on U.S. News & World Report’s list.

The total cost of this program for Iowa residents is $54,573,25 as of 2022, with tuition making up $47,427.50 of the cost. For non-residents, the tuition amounted to $96,084, with a total program cost of $103,329.75.

This physician assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

2. Yale University

Yale University in New Haven, CT, is more than an Ivy League research institution. The school is also one of the best physician assistant programs in the country.

In U.S. News & World Report’s ranking, Yale is ranked 26th. We ranked the institution much higher due to its exceptional PANCE pass rate and graduation rate. Except for one year, the first-time PANCE pass rate for Yale University physician assistant graduates has been 100% every year for the past half a decade. Even the exception to this 100% pass rate, the Class of 2019, still achieved a remarkable 95% pass rate. For both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021, the physician assistant program graduation rate was 100%.

Yale University’s ARC-PA-accredited physician assistant program curriculum spans 28 months, with a 12-month didactic phase and a 16-month clinical phase. During both phases, students seeking physician assistant degrees also have opportunities to be involved in research efforts.

You’ll get a quality physician assistant education at Yale, but you’ll pay a lot for it. For the 2022 through 2023 academic year, the tuition cost for the physician assistant master’s degree for all students (regardless of residency) was $111,167, and total program costs equaled $199,435.

View program details.

3. Baylor College of Medicine

Some of the best physician assistant programs are offered out of colleges of medicine. After all, physician assistants do practice medicine – they just do so under the guidance of a supervising physician. One such top-performing physician assistant program is offered at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.

Baylor College of Medicine’s PA program has it all. The program landed the #3 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s rankings. We were particularly impressed by the school’s long history of excellence in preparing students for the PANCE certification exam. The Class of 2021 reported a 97% pass rate for first-time test-takers, and the Class of 2020 achieved a 100% pass rate. This isn’t a new phenomenon; the school reports that its graduates have surpassed both first-time pass rates and national mean PANCE scores since 1973.

The maximum class size for the physician assistant program at Baylor College of Medicine is 40 students. The graduation rate among the Class of 2021 was 92.5%, while both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2019 saw a graduation rate of 97.5%

Over the course of this 30-month physician assistant program, students will complete a curriculum that encompasses interdisciplinary learning and hands-on experience through the Simulation Core. Unique offerings at the school include an emphasis on Lifestyle Medicine, in which future PAs learn to help patients with lifestyle changes to treat or prevent diseases, as well as enrichment pathways in medical ethics and tropical medicine. The physician assistant students at this institution of higher education learn in the same facilities and clinical sites within Texas Medical Center – which the school bills as “the world’s largest medical complex” – where the school’s medical students train.

The cost for physician assistant degrees at Baylor is the same for both residents and non-residents. As reported for the 2022 through 2023 school year, tuition for all three years of the program totaled $80,075, with the total costs amounting to $112,070.50.

This physician assistant master’s degree is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

4. Marquette University

Getting into the ARC-PA-accredited physician assistant studies program at Marquette University’s College of Health Sciences in Milwaukee, WI, isn’t easy. Between 850 and 1,000 prospective students submit an application each cycle, but the school only accepts 75 students per year.

Despite the program’s selectivity, Marquette University is tied for 26th place on U.S. News & World Report’s list. We thought the school’s high PANCE pass rates and graduation rate warranted a much higher spot on our physician assistant school rankings list. Marquette’s Class of 2021 reported a PANCE pass rate of 100%, in keeping with most of the graduating classes over the past five years. The Class of 2019, the exception to Marquette’s pattern of 100% pass rates, still achieved a pass rate of 98%. For the Class of 2021, the graduation rate was 97.34%.

In addition to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree, the institution offers a postgraduate physician assistant emergency medicine program for PAs looking to specialize in this branch of medicine.

The projected tuition cost for the entire 28-month program amounted to $110,250 for students who enrolled during the 2022 through 2023 school year.

View program details.

RELATED: Is Getting Into a PA Program More or Less Competitive Than a Med School?

5. Duke University School of Medicine

No ranking of the best physician assistant degrees is complete without mentioning the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, NC. The PA career path started at Duke in 1965, when the Department of Medicine chairman, Dr. Eugene A. Stead Jr., established the first two-year program to train “mid-level practitioners” of medicine whose work could expand access to much-needed medical care, especially in medically underserved areas.

At Duke, the goal of the physician assistant program is to help students get ready for a variety of medical settings. The school is impressive in many respects beyond its part in the founding of the PA profession. Duke’s Class of 2021 achieved an impressive 97% PANCE pass rate, and both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 reported a 98.9% graduation rate. These and other accomplishments led U.S. News & World Report to rank the school as tied for first place on its PA programs ranking list.

One area in particular in which the physician assistant program at Duke University School of Medicine shines is community service. Students spend at least 40 hours during their clinicals working with a health-based community agency. These community hours are tied into a final community service project.

For the 2022 through 2023 school year, the tuition cost for the entire program amounted to $92,102 regardless of residency, climbing to a total program cost of $164,723.

The master’s degree program at Duke University is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

6. George Washington University

The top-ranked physician assistant program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., celebrated its 50th year in 2022. The Department of Physician Assistant Studies in George Washington University’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences offers two programs of interest to an aspiring physician assistant.

The traditional physician assistant program is a two-year physician assistant program that focuses on developing the competencies required for the practice of clinical medicine under a doctor’s supervision. Graduates of this program receive a Master of Science in Health Sciences degree. The PA/MPH program is a three-year, dual-degree program in which PA students complete the didactic and clinical studies of a conventional physician assistant program and a course of study in public health. Most PA/MPH students focus their MPH studies on the Community Oriented Primary Care track, but students may also choose to specialize in epidemiology, maternal and child health, health policy, global environmental health and environmental health science and policy.

George Washington University’s physician assistant program Class of 2021 achieved a 100% graduation rate. The school’s physician assistant graduates have achieved a consistently exceptional PANCE pass rate, with the Class of 2017 reporting a 100% pass rate and the Classes of 2018 and 2019 achieving a 98% pass rate. U.S. News & World Report ranked George Washington University as tied for 5th place on its list of the best physician assistant schools.

For all students enrolling in the two-year PA program in 2021 as part of the Class of 2023, the school reported a tuition rate of $96,960 and a total cost of $97,221.

The physician assistant degrees at George Washington University are offered out of programs that have earned accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

7. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

The Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, IL, is a 24-month physician assistant program that U.S. News & World Report has ranked among its top 15 physician assistant schools.

The ARC-PA accredited PA program follows the traditional curriculum of one year of didactic coursework followed by a year of clinical rotations. Students’ clinical medicine experience includes six core rotations in the specialties of internal medicine, family practice, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics and Women’s Health. Students also choose two electives to customize their education to fit their clinical interests.

The high-achieving Class of 2021 reported a 97% PANCE pass rate and a 98.5% graduation rate.

The total cost of tuition and fees for the entire physician assistant program at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science was listed at $104,819 as of 2022.

View program details.

8. St. Louis University

St. Louis University was an early champion of physician assistant education. The school’s PA program launched in 1971 with just eight students, making the university not only one of the first in the country to offer this field of study but also the first such training program located in the Midwest.

Physician assistant students at St. Louis University graduate with a Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree from the Doisy College of Health Sciences. Over the course of the 27-month curriculum, students complete an assortment of didactic coursework and clinical training in specialties like family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, psychiatry/behavioral medicine, women’s health and pediatrics.

Despite ranking 37th (tied) on U.S. News & World Report’s ranking list, St. Louis University boasts impressive exam pass rates and graduation rates. The Class of Class of 2021 reported a PANCE pass rate of 96%. The graduation rate for the Class of 2019 was 97.5%.

For the 2021 through 2022 academic year, the total tuition cost for the program was $92,860.

The PA master’s degree awarded by the Doisy College of Health Sciences at St. Louis University is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

9. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

One of two UT Health physician assistant programs to earn a spot on our school ranking list, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree. Over the course of the 30-month program, students devote 14 months to didactic lecture coursework and 16 months to clinical training.

The ARC-PA-accredited physician assistant program Class of 2021 at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio achieved a graduation rate of 90% and a PANCE pass rate of 100%. On U.S. News & World Report’s list, the school tied for 33rd place.

As of 2022, the total cost of tuition and fees amounted to $40,431 for in-state students and $86,534 for out-of-state students.

View program details.

10. Emory University School of Medicine

At Emory University in Atlanta, GA, students in the School of Medicine can pursue a physician assistant degree. U.S. News & World Report ranks this outstanding program among the top five physician assistant programs in the nation, and for good reason. The Class of 2021 reported a 100% graduation rate.

Emory University’s physician assistant program spans 29 months, with clinical training beginning during students’ second spring semester and concluding in the third and final fall semester. For students interested in matters of public health administration as well as the practice of clinical medicine, the school also offers a PH/MPH dual-degree program.

Emory University’s cost is the same for Georgia residents and non-residents. For the 2021 through 2022 academic year, the total tuition cost for the program amounted to $109,594, and the total program cost was listed at $126,456.

The physician assistant degrees offered through Emory University are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

11. Midwestern University

At Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL, students can pursue an ARC-PA-accredited Master of Medical Science (MMS) in Physician Assistant Program. This 27-month program begins with 12 months of basic science classes as part of the didactic phase of study, followed by 15 months of clinical rotations that students complete primarily in the Chicago metropolitan area.

The Class of 2021 reported a graduation rate of 94.3% and a PANCE pass rate of 96%. Midwestern University ranked 21st on U.S. News & World Report’s ranking.

As of 2022, the total tuition cost for all students was $120,542, and the total program cost was $134,659.

View program details.

12. Wake Forest University

At Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, physician assistant students can expect to spend two years pursuing their master’s degree in this field. The curriculum consists of 91 total credit hours, including 44 pre-clinical hours and 47 clinical hours.

The PA program, which tied for 7th place on U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of the best physician assistant schools, reported a graduation rate of 96% for the Class of 2020 and 94% for the Class of 2021. Graduates’ PANCE pass rates reached 98% for the Classes of 2019 and 2020 and 95% for the Class of 2021.

Regardless of residency, the total cost for the physician assistant program at Wake Forest University for the 2022 through 2023 academic year was $172,494, with tuition accounting for $87,540 of that amount.

The PA master’s degree at Wake Forest University is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

13. University of Colorado

Students pursuing a master’s degree in physician assistant studies at the University of Colorado in Aurora will spend three years building their knowledge in the practice of medicine. In this master’s degree program, which tied for 7th place on U.S. News & World Report’s ranking, students devote two years to didactic coursework, or classroom work that encompasses lectures, laboratory classes and small group experiences.

The ARC-PA-accredited program integrates some clinical experiences as early as year one of the two-year program. However, during students’ third year is when clinical rotations dominate the curriculum. Over the course of their final year of the program, students will complete 10 month-long rotations in specialties like primary care, inpatient medicine, surgery, and neonatology or adolescent medicine.

Both the Class of 2019 and the Class of 2021 reported a 100% graduation rate, and even the Class of 2020 managed to achieve a 93% graduation rate despite the challenges of going to school during a global pandemic.

Colorado residents save considerably on the cost of the PA master’s degree program. For the 2022 through 2023 academic year, resident students enrolling as part of the Class of 2025 could expect to pay $64,242 in total costs for the three-year physician assistant program, while non-residents would pay $139,086.

View program details.

14. University of Wisconsin

If you’re interested in having options for your education, one of the physician assistant programs you should consider is the University of Wisconsin’s physician assistant master’s degree. This program offers five program tracks that include in-person studies at different campus locations, part-time distance-learning options and a dual-degree program option. This program also earns the distinction of being unusually affordable – at least for in-state students.

The traditional 24-month in-person PA program at the University of Wisconsin is called the campus track, and it is offered on the school’s Madison, WI, campus. A second campus-based program is offered at UW-Stevens Point at Wausau.

Most accredited physician assistant programs are full-time programs, but the University of Wisconsin offers two part-time distance tracks for students who want to move forward with their PA education but can’t commit to it full-time. Students within driving distance of the Madison campus are considered part of the regional distance education track, while students living in medically underserved areas are part of the traditional distance education track. Either distance track will include 24 months of didactic learning completed on a part-time basis before a 12-month, full-time year of clinical rotations.

The MPH-MPAS track is a dual-degree master’s program for students interested in both the physician assistant career and studies in public health. Over the course of a 33-month curriculum, students complete the coursework required to graduate with both a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies degree and a Masters of Public Health degree.

The University of Wisconsin’s Class of 2021 reported a 100% graduation rate and a 92% PANCE pass rate. U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Wisconsin among the top 15 physician assistant programs in the nation.

For the 2021 through 2022 academic year, Wisconsin students on the campus track (studying at the Madison campus) paid a total program tuition cost of $39,469.10. Non-residents were charged a total program tuition rate of $80,197.94, but thanks to a tuition reciprocity agreement between the two states, Minnesota residents could pursue this degree for the discounted rate of $52,501.22.

The PA master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

15. Eastern Virginia Medical School

Another highly-ranked PA school to consider is Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA.

The Class of 2021 reported a PANCE pass rate of 95% and a graduation rate of 90.7%. U.S. News & World Report ranked the institution 33rd among the best physician assistant programs nationwide.

Over the course of 28 months, aspiring physician assistants at Eastern Virginia Medical School complete a 16-month sequence of pre-clinical coursework and eight clinical field experiences. Required clinical rotations in this ARC-PA-accredited physician assistant degree program include family medicine, general internal medicine, general surgery, emergency medicine, pediatric medicine, women’s health and psychiatry and behavioral health.

For the 2021 through 2022 academic year, the school reported a total program cost of $177,554 for in-state students and $199,230 for out-of-state students. This amount included tuition costs of $87,865 for in-state students and $108,661 for out-of-state students.

View program details.

16. University of South Alabama

At the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL, aspiring physician assistants will complete a total of 121 credit hours over the course of a 27-month curriculum. The program includes 15 consecutive months of pre-clinical work and 12 months of clinical rotations. Two of these clinical rotations, primary care and pediatrics, include required clinical experiences in rural areas.

The Class of 2021 reported both a graduation rate and a PANCE pass rate of 95%. On U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of master’s degree programs for physician assistants, the University of South Alabama tied for 46th place.

In-state students at this institution get a significant discount compared to out-of-state students. For the 2021 through 2022 academic year, the total program cost for in-state students amounted to $114,986, with tuition contributing to $58,080 of that cost. Out-of-state students were charged $192,184, including $135,278 in tuition costs.

The physician assistant studies program at the University of South Alabama is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

17. University of Southern California

The practice of primary care medicine lends itself particularly well to the PA profession. If you’re interested in working in this area, the University of Sothern California has a fantastic program for that. Offered out of USC’s Keck School of Medicine, the Primary Care Physician Assistant Program awards a Master of Physician Assistant Practice (MPAP) degree.

The 33-month program covers a curriculum that consists of four semesters of didactic study and more than a year (54 weeks) of full-time clinical training. After the first year of this three-year program, students enjoy a respite from their hard work in the form of a summer break.

The Class of 2021 reported a graduation rate of 92% and a PANCE pass rate of 96%. U.S. News & World Report ranked this PA program as tied for 10th place on its school rankings list.

For the 2021 through 2022 school year, the institution reported a total program cost of $190,713, $177,892 of which consisted of tuition costs.

This PA master’s degree is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

18. Oregon Health and Science University

At Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR, physician assistant students complete a 27-month curriculum that, like most accredited physician assistant programs, includes both didactic instruction and clinical training. Students must complete core clinical rotations in emergency medicine, surgery, inpatient medicine, pediatrics and behavioral medicine, as well as three rotations in primary care. They can also choose elective rotations in areas like orthopedics, cardiology, neurosurgery and dermatology.

Since 2018, the maximum class size in the PA program has been 42 students. The Class of 2021 reported a PANCE pass rate of 93% and a graduation rate of 95.3%. On U. S. News & World Report’s ranking list, the university was ranked 14th in the nation.

Students at Oregon Health and Science University complete a community outreach project and have the option to pursue a rural track program that emphasizes the practice of medicine in rural and medically underserved areas.

As of 2022, the total program cost for all physician assistant students was $123,507, including $93,636 in tuition costs.

View program details.

19. Stony Brook School of Health Professions

At the Stony Brook School of Health Professions in southeastern New York, the physician assistant program follows a 24-month curriculum.

While the Class of 2021 reported a PANCE pass rate of 91%, this statistic is an outlier. The Class of 2018 reported a PANCE pass rate of 100%, and both the Classes of 2019 and 2020 reported an exam pass rate of 98%. Among the Class of 2020, the graduation rate was 98.5%. U.S. News & World Report ranked the program as tied for 15th place.

For residents of New York State, the total program cost as of 2021 amounted to $62,449.76, including $44,608 in tuition costs. Aspiring PA students from outside of New York were charged a total program cost of $100,851.01, including $82,442 in tuition costs.

The PA master’s degree at Stony Brook School of Health Professions is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

20. Quinnipiac University

The 27-month, 94-credit physician assistant Master of Health Science program at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT, has a similar curriculum to most PA programs. Students start with a year of didactic coursework before focusing on a series of clinical rotations. However, one unique aspect of this ARC-PA-accredited physician assistant program is that first-year students spend half a day each week working with licensed providers in clinical practice. Students at this university work with actual patients from the start.

Quinnipiac University’s physician assisting Class of 2021 reported a PANCE pass rate of 92% and a graduation rate of 92.6%. On U.S. News & World Report’s list, the institution was ranked 15th in the nation.

As of 2022, the total tuition and fees cost for all students regardless of residency was $105,810.

View program details.

21. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

A second University of Texas medical branch also deserves a spot on our top 25 physician assistant degrees list. The Dallas-based University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center offers an accredited Master of Physician Assistant Studies program that dates back to 1972.

The 30-month program starts in May of each year and wraps up in December. The didactic phase of the curriculum encompasses the summer, fall and spring semesters of the first year of study, as well as the summer of the second year. In the fall of the second year, students begin their clinical rotations. These clinical experiences account for 59 of the 112 total program hours and consist of four semesters of training, including rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, infectious disease, psychiatry, pediatrics and women’s health.

The Class of 2021 reported a graduation rate of 90.3% and a PANCE pass rate of 93%. However, this pass rate is something of an outlier for the program. The UT Southwestern Medical Center’s PA Classes of 2017, 2019 and 2020 all achieved a 100% pass rate on the PANCE. U.S. News ranked this program 7th in the nation.

As one of the more reasonably priced programs on our list, UT Southwestern Medical Center’s estimated cost, as of 2022, is $43,791 for Texas residents and $89,487 for non-resident students. This figure represents the total program cost for the 30-month degree program.

View program details.

22. Drexel University

In the physician assistant Master of Health Science degree at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, students complete a 27-month curriculum. This curriculum covers 12 months of didactic coursework and 15 months of clinical rotations.

Despite tying for 10th place on U.S. News & World Report’s ranking list, Drexel’s attrition rate is lower than other degree programs on our list. The Class of 2021 reported a graduation rate of just 86%. However, the school does report competitive PANCE pass rates. Among the Class of 2021, 96% of first-time test-takers passed the exam.

For the 2022 through 2023 academic year, Drexel University reported a tuition cost per credit hour of $843, which amounts to $98,631 in tuition alone for the whole 27-month program. Adding in other expenses, the total program cost climbed to $101,386.

Drexel University’s Master of Health Science program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

23. University of Utah Health

The seven-semester Masters in Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT, is a 27-moth commitment. The first four semesters of the curriculum are dedicated to didactic instruction, with the remaining three semesters comprising the clinical training portion of the program. Students in this program also complete a mandatory community-engagement research project in which they lead a small group that includes a faculty member and a community partner.

The institution landed the 4th place spot on U.S. News & World Report’s ranking list, but we ranked it lower due to the Class of 2021’s PANCE pass rate sitting slightly below the national average, at 91%.

The total program cost as of the 2021 through 2022 academic year amounted to $78,120.70 for Utah residents and $116,314.26 for non-resident students. Students who start out as non-residents but qualify for Utah residency after their first year could expect to pay $97,217.48.

The PA master’s degree at this institution of higher education is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

24. Medical University of South Carolina

At the Medical University of South Carolina in historic Charleston, SC, aspiring physician assistants can pursue an accredited Master of Science in Physician Assistant degree.

This program accepts a larger cohort of students, with a total of 97 student spots, but the school boasts that this larger cohort translates to “more resources.” With 12 dedicated faculty members, the program reported a student-to-faculty ratio of 8-to-1. Additionally, the program recently opened a state-of-the-art PA lab with patient exam rooms where students can perform simulated exams on patient-actors.

Over the course of the 27-month curriculum, students complete 15 months of didactic learning and a year of clinical rotations. Students have the opportunity to assist the underserved by working in St. Andrew’s Medical Clinic and the East Cooper Community Outreach program.

While the Class of 2021 reported a graduation rate of 93.5% and a PANCE pass rate of 84%, these statistics are outliers. The school’s reported attrition rate for 2019 was 98.3%, and for 2020, it was 95.1%. In most years, the program’s PANCE pass rate is considerably higher, at 98% for 2017 and 2018 and 95% for 2020. On U.S. News & World Report’s ranking list, the Medical University of South Caroline tied for 46th place.

This program is an especially affordable option for aspiring physician assistants in SC. The in-state total program tuition cost for the 2021 through 2022 academic year amounted to $57,918, while out-of-state students would have to pay $103,509.

View program details.

25. University of Washington

The University of Washington offers a 27-credit PA program out of its Seattle, Spokane, Acoma and Anchorage campus locations.

Graduation rates among PA students at the University of Washington are in the 90% range and above. The most recent statistics, for the Class of 2020, show an attrition rate of 92%, but for 2018 and 2019, the school reported a graduation rate of 98% and 94%, respectively.  The campus locations each report their own PANCE pass rate. Among the Classes of 2021, the Spokane campus reported the highest pass rate. U.S. News & World Report ranked the institution 14th in the nation among physician assistant programs.

For the PA student cohort that started in the summer of 2021, the University of Washington reported a total tuition cost of $85,365.

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

View program details.

The institutions listed above are among the best physician assistant schools in the country. Attending any of these institutions, or any other accredited PA program, can help you achieve your goal of becoming a physician assistant.

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The post Top 25 Physician Assistant (PA) Degree Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Dentists are often placed in their own category of medicine, and many potential students in the science don’t know exactly where to begin.

With all that said, dentists and other dental support workers play a critical role in functioning medical system. They are employed in a wind range of medical settings, from solo practices to large hospital systems and in government organizations.

Dentistry careers can provide amazing career prospects, standard of living, and purpose. A range of support careers within dentistry boast some of the highest salaries among associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. And doctors of dental medicine have strong earnings in a variety of employment settings.

Related Resources

• What Degree Do You Need To Be A Dentist?
• The 20 Best Jobs Without a 9-to-5 Work Schedule
• The Top 50 Online Medical Degrees
• 15 Affordable Degrees in Dental Hygiene (Associate’s and Beyond)

If you think you may have what it takes to enter the ranks of this rewarding and lucrative career be sure to read through our guide on how you can enter a dental degree program and what you can do a with a dental degree below.

Table of Contents:

• What Dentistry Degrees Are Available?
• Can I Pursue a Dentistry Degree Online?
• How Do I Gain Admission to a Dentistry Degree Program?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Dentistry?

What Dentistry Degrees Are Available?

Dentistry is the science of dental and oral medicine. This branch of science encompasses a wide range of preventative, maintenance-related, and emergency medical services. While you likely primarily think of dentists within the field of dentistry, there are actually a wide range of common careers that can be entered at the associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels of study in dentistry.

Some of the most common dentistry roles include:

• Dental Assistants
• Dental Hygienists
• Dental Technicians
• Dental Therapists
• Dentists
• Oral Surgeons

Even among those with the same title, there are at times different academic routes that may be taken to obtain the same job. For example, some dentists may hold a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (DDM) while others may hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery.

Below we’ll work through some of the most common degree types that can lead to a career in dentistry, starting with associates degrees.

Associates degrees in dentistry may be used to prepare for positions including dental hygienist and dental assistant positions.

Dental technology degrees are primarily offered by community colleges and help prepare students to work as dental technicians in lab settings. These degrees require 1-3 years for graduation (depending on whether you pursue schooling part-time, full-time, or in an accelerated manner).

Curricula for dental technology degrees include general education requirements which comprise roughly half of the course of study. The aim of general education requirements is to ensure that graduates have certain baseline skills in quantitative and verbal reasoning, writing, and comprehension. Common courses taken as general education courses include:

• College-level natural sciences
• College-level mathematics courses
• College-level humanities courses
• Courses in ethics, philosophy, or religion
• Courses in writing
• College-level statistics
• And social science courses such as psychology

Once students have worked their way through general education requirements, will begin to start on major courses.

Within a digital technology degree, students will learn

• The terminology of dentistry as well as dentistry technology
• Anatomy of the oral cavity
• Skills related to prosthodontics
• Techniques to restore occlusal surfaces
• Methods for infection control
• The creation and maintenance of dental ceramics

A second common associates-level degree in dentistry is that of associate of applied science in dental hygiene. This degree type typically requires three years for completion and can lead to jobs as a dental hygienist. Though there are bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dental hygiene, there are generally more rare and not needed to gain employment in this area. Dental hygiene is commonly known as one of the most lucrative careers one can enter into with an associates degree.
Similarly to associates in dental technology degrees, students will begin with general education requirements. Many dental hygiene programs also require additional prerequisites in chemistry, biology, and math. Once students have worked their way into major courses, they often study the following:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry and microbiology
• Pathology, pharmacology, and nutrition
• Morphology of teeth
• Oral pathology
• Radiography
• Periodontology
• Pain Management
• Oral Health
• Education and counseling in dentistry
• Health promotion
• Health ethics
• Clinical dental hygiene
• Services for special needs or illnesses
• Dental emergencies

It is important to note that those seeking to work as a dental hygienist should pursue academic programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

At the bachelor’s level, students can pursue a number of degrees related to dentistry. Some of the most common include bachelor’s in dental hygiene, bachelor’s in pre-dentistry studies, and other bachelor’s in science degrees.

Bachelor’s in dental hygiene degrees typically cover everything listed in the previous associate’s degree section and leave some additional room for electives or more in-depth study. Bachelor’s degrees aren’t necessary to become a dental hygienist, but may lead to greater career prospects or pay.

Bachelor’s in pre-dentistry studies are one of the most common routes used to prepare for advanced dentistry degrees. These baccalaureate programs typically require 4 years for completion and are viewed as one of the more rigorous undergraduate courses of study.
Students in pre-dentistry programs are typically required to take the following coursework beyond general education requirements:

• Chemistry I and II
• Biology I and II
• Genetics
• Biochemistry I and II
• Vertebrate Biology
• Physics I and II
• Cell Biology
• Microbiology
• Organic Chemistry
• And a collection of electives

Generally speaking, pre-dentistry programs are very similar to pre-med programs. They are often geared towards students seeking admission to dentistry programs at the graduate level at local universities and seek to match admissions requirements.

Finally, as with students pursuing other advanced nursing or medical degrees, students may pursue bachelor’s of science degrees in related natural sciences. Some of the most common degrees used for the purpose of graduate school admission in medical fields include bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and physics.

While there are master’s-level degrees in dentistry, most students interested in post-graduate coursework go straight for a professional doctoral program such as a doctor of dental medicine or doctor of dental surgery degree.

At the doctoral level, dentistry degrees include doctor of dental medicine (DDM) degrees as well as doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degrees.

Both doctoral dentistry degrees follow a format similar to medical school. Two years of classroom-based instruction are followed by two years of hands-on clinical training.

All graduates of U.S. dental programs are expected to pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) which is comprised of two parts. By looking at the requirements of the NBDE, one can see the topics that are commonly required for didactic or clinical study within dentistry school.

The NCBE part one includes questions on human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, dental anatomy, dental occlusion, and pathology.

The NCBE part two includes questions on pain control, pharmacology, operative dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, pedodintics, oral pathology, prosthodontics, and radiology.

While you are generally considered licensed to practice after completing your four years of coursework and passing both component parts of the NCBE exam, a growing number of dentists stay on for a round of residency to specialize even further.

Some of the most common residency programs within the field of dentistry include:

• General Practice Residencies
• And Advanced Education in General Practice Residencies

Both of these programs typically require one year for completion, with some programs offering an optional second year. The key differences between these types of residencies include the fact that general practice residencies are commonly held in hospitals, while advanced education in general practice residencies are typically held in dental school settings. General practice residences typically require residents to cycle through different departments within a hospital to see ways in which dentistry interacts with other fields of medicine. Common areas in which those in this residency may work within a hospital include internal medicine, anesthesia, or emergency medicine.

Advanced education in general practice residencies, on the other hand, typically focus on particularly complex dental cases and educate dentists in the treatment of these cases in a comprehensive manner.

If you’re seeking a doctoral degree in medicine, you will need to choose between one of the two most common degree types at this level. These degrees include doctor of dental medicine and doctor of dental surgery options. So what are the key differences?
In short, there aren’t any! Both degrees are viewed as equivalent and both meet prerequisites for board licensure pending your licensure exams. The difference in names comes down to a difference in a tradition in naming degrees. Some schools chose to name the degree in Latin, which translated more closely with doctor of dental surgery. Others chose the English doctor of dental medicine.

Can I Pursue a Dentistry Degree Online?

Online education can be a fantastic option for many students. While it’s not for everyone, many degree programs now at least offer the option to take courses online.

As far as dental degrees, there are many degree programs that offer didactic courses online. Though clinical and lab learning is very seldom offered not-in-person.

This makes the choice somewhat easier as far as what type of program to pursue. Generally speaking, prerequisites and large portions of undergraduate dentistry degrees are available online. If you want to take your dentistry degree to the next level, you’ll need to attend dentistry school.

While undergraduate courses within dentistry programs are available online at times, it’s important to note that there are some definite trade-offs when taking a degree online. Some of the most commonly cited pros and cons of online education include the following:
Pros of Online Education

• Fees are often lower than in-person degrees.
• Many programs are accelerated.
• Asynchronous online courses allow you to log on when you can.
• No need to move or switch jobs to pursue a degree.
• The same degree in the end.

Cons of Online Education

• A greater need to be a self-starter with online ed.
• More difficulty in “meeting” classmates and professors.
• Some programs don’t have as many online support services.
• Harder to meet up for networking or career development events.

How Do I Gain Admission to a Dentistry Degree Program?

Number wise, dentistry programs primarily fall at the associates and doctoral levels. As one may expect, admission criteria are quite different depending on the level of the program being entered.

At the associate’s level dentistry degrees may be pursued at community colleges or universities. Many community colleges (and some universities) have open admission policies. This means all first-time students are accepted, though students must maintain a minimum GPA and satisfactory progress to remain in the degree.

For students attending community college-based programs in dentistry-related fields, many community colleges also offer free or greatly-reduced tuition for in-district or in-state residents. This can make community college programs in lucrative dentistry fields great “bang for your buck” degrees.

For students attending universities for an associates or bachelor’s in a dentistry-related fields, the common elements required for admission include standardized test scores, your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, and application essays. Most universities have basic entry requirement thresholds including a minimum high school GPA and minimum standardized test scores.

If you’re looking to obtain a doctoral education in dentistry, applications are a bit more involved.

Doctoral level dentistry degrees do not require one prerequisite degree. In fact, many only require 3 years of undergraduate education for entrance. Though the most common route is to complete a bachelor’s degree.

No matter what subject you pursue as an undergraduate, admission to doctor of dental medicine and doctor of dental surgery degrees can be accomplished with prerequisite courses in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, statistics, calculus, organic chemistry, and English.

Additionally, students seeking to apply to a dentistry program should plan on taking the dental admissions test (DAT), a test similar to the MCAT (medical college admission test).

What Can I Do With a Degree in Dentistry?

We’ve already alluded to a number of careers that can be entered with dentistry-related degrees. But we haven’t looked at many of the most important stats you’ll want to know before you pursue a degree. Namely, salaries, number of job openings, responsibilities at work, and future prospects.

For those seeking the quickest entry into dentistry related fields, the job of dental assistant can be prepared for with two years of an associate’s degree. Despite the common misconception, dental assistants and dental hygienists are actually different roles.

Some common job responsibilities of dental assistants include:

• Making patients feel comfortable within the office
• Making sure patients are in the right location for treatment
• Collecting key pieces of information as well as dental records
• Work as a pair of “second hands” for dentists or hygienists at work
• Take dental X-Rays or perform basic lab tests on patients
• Help out administratively in the office

Working conditions for dental assistants most commonly occur in small private dentistry practices. 9 out of 10 dental assistants receive paid time off as well as insurance and receive average earnings of $41,111

A second role often requiring a three-year community college or associate’s program is that of dental hygienist. Dental hygienists perform some of the tasks of dental assistants, but also perform a range of more medically and education-involved roles within dentistry clinics and care settings.

Some of the most common job descriptions for dental hygienists include:

• One-on-one consultations with patients
• Doing routine cleaning tasks of teeth and gums
• Educating patients about oral self care or medications
• Doing screening exams before passing the patient along to the dentist
• Take impressions of teeth or collection of teeth for dental implants or orthodontic procedures

As one may expect with the greater range of medical responsibilities at play in a dental hygiene role than in a dental assistant role, pay is substantially higher. In fact, dental hygienist positions are some of the most lucrative positions among all that just require an associate’s degree. The average earnings for dental hygiene positions are presently over $71,000 a year.

Finally, dentists are some of the most specialized job titles within the field of dentistry. In most practice settings, they have the final say when it comes to oral health care. In larger settings or hospitals, they may work on a consultative basis or in teams of other specialists.

With that said, a vast majority of dentists do work in small private practices. Common job responsibilities within this setting include:

• Meeting with patients to discuss and manage dental concerns
• Performing dental medical procedures like extractions, root canals, and surgeries
• Applying medical agents to teeth including whiteners and sealants
• Operating tools that relate to tooth diagnosis and repair
• Keeping vital oral health records
• Making professional medical calls, forwarding patients to other specialists when needed<?li>

While dentists may work for governmental agencies, in large hospitals, and in private practice, a majority of dentists work in smaller private practices. In this setting, the average salary for a dentist is presently $165,110. This range can vary a great deal depending on the size of the practice worked in and the location, however. By state, dentist salaries range between $124,000 a year in North Carolina, to $174,000 in New York state.

Related Resources

• What Degree Do You Need To Be A Dentist?
• The 20 Best Jobs Without a 9-to-5 Work Schedule
• The Top 50 Online Medical Degrees
• The 15 Most Affordable Associates in Dental Hygiene Degrees

The post What Can I Do With a Dentistry Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

While online education was trending toward mainstream adoption, COVID-19 has bumped the timeline forward. And as a result, today many of the top public health programs are now offered entirely online. So whether by innovation or by necessity, many top-end universities now offer fully online graduate-level public health degrees. And as more programs enter the online education space, competition drives each program to improve their value propositions. 

As such, many online Master’s of Public Health programs offer surprisingly competitive tuitions or generous financial aid packages and in some cases, both. In order to help you identify the best opportunities available, our researchers have ranked online master’s of public health programs according to the metrics that matter most to prospective students: graduation rate, tuition costs, financial aid packages, and recognition in trusted publications. Read on to find out which 20 programs take the top spots. 

1 University of Florida

The University of Florida is an exemplar for a school that has effectively leveraged existing infrastructure and successful degree programs to expand into online education. Faculty who offer online courses are specially trained to work with online students and know how to make the most of digital learning technology. 

The University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions is helmed by world class faculty who hold the highest degree in their field, and have demonstrated success as both professionals and clinical researchers. In short, students at the College can enjoy the confidence that they are learning from the best of the best. 

The College of Public Health offers a fully online Master of Public Health program with a number options for students to tailor the program to match personal interests and career goals. Specifically, students can enroll in any of the six following concentration tracks (note: not all concentrations are offered online): 

• Biostatistics (On Campus Only)
• Environmental Health (On Campus Only)
• Epidemiology (On Campus Only)
• Population Health Management (On Campus Only)
• Public Health Practice (Campus and Online)
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (Campus and Online)

Learn more about University of Florida’s Online Master’s of Public Health

2 University of Washington

The University of Washington School of Public Health is quickly becoming one of the world’s premier destinations for earning a public health degree–be it online or on-campus, or at the undergraduate or graduate level. The School of Public Health offers leverages over 50 centers and institutes to involve students in real-world experiential learning opportunities as well as paradigm-shifting research. The School of Public Health offers 5 academic departments that have been designed from the ground up to represent comprehensive study in the following areas: 

• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Global Health
• Health Services
• Environ. & Occ. Health Sciences

The Health Services Department offers a fully online Master of Public Health that can be completed in just 18 months, making it one of the fastest programs listed in this ranking. Students of the program will delve into evidence-based curriculums based on cutting-edge research and modern business. Specifically, students can expect comprehensive study in the following subjects: 

• Population Health
• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Environmental Health
• Health Management and Policy
• Social and Behavioral Health

Learn more about University of Washington’s Online Master’s of Public Health

3 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health has been consistently ranked as one of the best schools of its kind–having earned the #2 and #1 spot on rankings of public health schools in trusted publications. As the name suggests, the Gillings School of Global Public Health frames curriculums in global context, which is evidenced by the Schools outreach to over 100 counties in North Carolina and more than 60 countries around the world. 

The Gillings School of Global Public Health offers a fully online Master’s of Public Health provides students with a comprehensive multidisciplinary curriculum which emphasizes the importance of viewing health through a global perspective. Students are also encouraged to step outside their comfort zone in order to conduct research or work with communities out in the world. The program offers four excellent tracks to choose from that are designed to represent the most prominent areas of need in the job market and in terms of industry trends: 

• MPH Leadership
• MPH Nutrition
• Applied Epidemiology
• MPH/Registered Dietitian

Learn more about University of North Carolina’s Online Master’s of Public Health

4 University of South Florida

The University of South Florida (USF) College of Public Health offers more than 100 fully online courses packaged in 6 distinct degree programs. The USF College of Public Health has earned national recognition for the impressive career outcomes among its program graduates, as well as for the highly competitive tuition costs. Specifically, the USF College of Public Health Online Master of Public Health ranks as the third most affordable program of its kind. 

The USF Online Master of Public Health (MPH) program offers students a selection of unique specialization track options, some of which seem to be totally unique to this program (meaning they are concentrations not offered in similar online MPH programs): 

• Epidemiology
• Public Health Practice
• Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief & Homeland Security
• Infection Control
• Social Marketing
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Health, Safety & Environment

Learn more about University of South Florida’s Online Master’s of Public Health

5 The University of West Florida

The University of West Florida specializes in providing adult learners and working students with affordable career-focused degree programs. In the case of the Online Master of Public Health program, it is the most affordable of all the programs listed in this ranking. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, which is the premier accrediting body for this type of program. 

The Online Master of Public Health program prepares students to build successful careers in a range of industries–at the local or even international level. To help students fine-tune their professional aspirations, the program offers three distinct concentration tracks: 

• Generalist MPH
• Global Health or Health Promotion
• Education and Behavior

Learn more about University of West Florida’s Online Master’s of Public Health

6 University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona (UA) Zuckerman College of Public Health offers a number of top-tier degree programs. Its programs have ranked among the best of the best for servicing minority populations, specifically ranking in the top 5 for American Indian and Hispanic graduates–according to data from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). The College of Public Health blends evidence-based practices and study with strong foundations in theoretical problem-solving and critical thinking. 

Students at the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health can earn a fully Online Master of Public Health. The program can be completed in just two years, and is structured on a modular schedule with each course taking 7.5 weeks to complete. Students will choose from a selection of program concentrations, which will make up about 50% of the program’s curriculum. Students can choose any one of the three following specializations: 

• Applied Epidemiology
• Health Behavior Health Promotion
• Health Services Administration

Learn more about University of Arizona’s Online Master’s of Public Health

7 University of Maryland – College Park

The University of Maryland School of Public Health is located at one of the nation’s fastest growing universities, and offers online students a number of innovative degree programs. The School of Public Health program curriculums are designed to represent the real world needs of the industry, which students will become accustomed to through evidence-based inquiries into current research and normative models of public health. 

The School of Public Health faculty are industry experts who specialize in developing public health solutions at the state level and even the national level. Specifically, students at the School of Public Health can earn a unique graduate degree online–a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Practice and Policy. As the name of the program suggests, it distinguishes through an emphasis placed on public health policy at the state, federal, and national level. 

Students will also dive into a comprehensive exploration of foundational topics as well. The program’s curriculum is organized as follows:

• Public Health (6 courses, 14 credits)
• Public Health Practice and Policy (8 courses, 24 credits)
• Internship and Capstone (2 courses, 6 credits)

Learn more about University of Maryland’s Online Master’s of Public Health

8 Oklahoma State University

The Oklahoma State University Graduate College prepares students to pursue the upper echelon of their career–be that through a graduate level education, or even a doctorate level education. The College offers more than 200 master’s and doctorate programs as well as professional graduate certification tracks that position students to capitalize on high-value skill sets that are sought after in the job market. 

This career focus is further demonstrated in the College’s 360° Critical Skills for Career Success (CSCS) Program. This program looks to develop each student into a well-rounded professional who is able to demonstrate aptitude and mastery over the 6 skills that are fundamental in any profession: 

• Research Services
• Wellness
• Instruction
• Communication
• Leadership
• Management

Students at the College can earn a Master’s of Public Health online that carries forth the College’s career-focused mission in education. Students of the program will learn how to apply traditional and innovative models of thought and problem solving to public health issues at the national and even international level.

Learn more about Oklahoma State University’s Online Master’s of Public Health

9 University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the nation’s premier private research universities, and acts as an international hub for globally-conscious business, technology, and health programs. The USC Keck School of Medicine is the oldest medical school in California, and has modernized itself to cater to new kinds of students and learners. Today the Keck School of Medicine offers a number of world-class degree programs that can be completed entirely online through curriculums helmed by industry-leading faculty and researchers. 

The Keck School of Medicine offers an online Master’s of Public Health that distinguishes itself by offering a unique format that empowers students with choice. Specifically, students can choose from one of six specialized concentration tracks that represent the areas of most prominent need in the job market, as well as areas of prominent professional opportunity. 

The six different program paths are as follows: 

• Biostatistics and Epidemiology
• Community Health Promotion
• Global Health
• GeoHealth
• Health Services and Policy
• Generalist

Learn more about University of Southern California’s Online Master’s of Public Health

10 West Virginia University

The West Virginia University School of Public Health positions itself to intervene and to study the public health issues facing West Virginia and the larger Appalachian region. Its programs are designed with this mission in mind, and frame comprehensive degree programs in terms of grounded practical approaches to solving local and regional problems. These programs are ideal for public health students who wish to specialize in localized intervention. 

Specifically, students can earn a fully online Master of Public Health (MPH) that employs a multidisciplinary curriculum in order to prepare students for the dynamics of the real world. The program also employs a weighted emphasis on interpersonal collaboration, peer group research, and real world engagement and outreach. The base curriculum however, is built around the following five pillars: 

• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy, Management and Leadership
• Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Learn more about West Virginia University’s Online Master’s of Public Health

11 University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) is a world class location for earning any number of degrees. Its programs are recognized around the world for innovation and academic excellence. USC faculty work at the forefront of their fields and often produce paradigm shifting research. As such, graduates from USC programs are primed to take on high-end and respected positions in their careers as well. 

Specifically, USC students can earn a Master of Public Health online. It is the only program of its kind to be offered by a top-ranked medical school. The program offers a number of choices to students, the most notable of which being a choice between an accelerated track and a specialization track. Students enrolling in the specialized track are able to choose between one of six concentrations. 

Learn more about University of Southern California’s Online Master’s of Public Health

12 University of California – Berkeley

University of California (UC) Berkeley is one of those universities whose name carries extraordinary weight and conferrs tremendous clout to graduates of its programs. The UC Berkeley faculty work at the cutting edge of their fields, particularly in the areas of engineering, computer science, social welfare, international development, business, public policy, journalism, and law. The Public Health program however, receives special recognition for its position in the industry. 

Specifically, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes the UC Berkeley Public Health program as one of the nation’s nine best health promotion and disease prevention research centers. The program is one of the few of its kind where students learn directly from industry leaders, who are their instructors. Despite the world-class quality on offer, the program is surprisingly affordable as well. 

And students can further specialize by pursuing one of the following degree specializations:

• Health Policy and Management
• Community Health Sciences
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Spatial Data Science and Global Health

Learn more about University of California’s Online Master’s of Public Health

13 Samford University

The Samford University School of Public Health offers a selection of high-end degree programs. The Wall street Journal recognized the School as the #2 in the nation for student engagement. So while the tuition costs are a bit more intimidating, this is balanced by the extensive resources invested into each student. The Samford School of Public Health is also continually recognized for the career outcomes among its graduates, who often go on to work at the top-end of their field. 

The Samford School of Public Health offers an Online Master of Public Health with program start times in summer and in the fall. The program also offers students the flexibility to tailor the curriculum to better match individual interest and career aspirations, which is an excellent selling point for students who may want to pursue an atypical subject of specialty. 

Learn more about Sameford University’s Online Master’s of Public Health

14 Johns Hopkins University

John Hopkins University is a name that represents decades of academic excellence and industry dominance in health and medical fields. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has been ranked as the #1 public health school in the nation by US News & World Report. The only reason this program is not ranked higher is because we know that the higher than average tuition represents a barrier of entry to many. 

For those who are willing to invest in a top-tier degree program however, the JHU Online Master’s of Public Health is one of the best options available. The program allows students up to four years to complete the program, providing students the freedom to enroll in the program while holding down a job. Typically though, students take around two to three years to complete the program. 

The program also offers the incredible selling point of allowing students to essentially build their own specialty. Faculty and advisors work closely with each student to tailor a curriculum plan that will maximize their chances for success. Students who choose this route will have more than 100 courses to choose from as well as flexible research options. 

Learn more about Johns Hopkins University’s Online Master’s of Public Health

15 Harvard University

The Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health is one of the world’s premier hubs for all things related to public health. The School’s faculty are both professionals and academics, who have demonstrated exemplary success in both dimensions of their careers. The Harvard School of Public Health has taken on an active role in intervening in the worldwide pandemic and its resulting consequences, using a catastrophe to train students to know how to better handle future catastrophes. 

The School of Public Health offers a Master of Public Health program that offers a number of entry-points for students as well as numerous opportunities for specialization. Specifically, students of the program can enroll in any of the following specialty tracks: 

• Clinical Effectiveness (CLE 45-credit academic year and summer-only options)
• Epidemiology – Online / On-Campus (EPI 45-credit)
• Global Health (GH 45-credit)
• Health and Social Behavior (HSB 45-credit)
• Health Management (HM 45-credit)
• Health Policy (HP 45-credit)
• Occupational and Environmental Health (OEH 45-credit)
• Quantitative Methods (QM 45-credit)
• Health and Social Behavior (HSB 65-credit)
• Health Management (HM 65-credit)
• Health Policy (HP 65-credit)
• Nutrition (NUT 65-credit)

Learn more about Harvard University’s Online Master’s of Public Health

16 New York University

The New York University School of Global Public Health offers a top notch degree program that presents perspectives in both the domestic and global context. The School of Global Public distinguishes itself through a commitment to building programs around three core tenets: health equity, ethics and social justice. 

The NYU Master of Public Health program can be completed entirely online. The program’s curriculum combines elements of comprehensive study in foundational subjects with innovative research into burgeoning areas of interest. Students of the program can choose to specialize by enrolling in any of the following concentration tracks: 

• Biostatistics
• Community Health Science and Practice 
• Environmental Public Health Sciences
• Epidemiology
• Global Health
• Public Health Nutrition
• Public Health Policy
• Public Health Management
• Social and Behavioral Sciences 
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

Learn more about New York University’s Online Master’s of Public Health

17 The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama’s “Bama by Distance” program offers online degree programs helmed by the same faculty who oversee on-campus programs. The University has worked hard to ensure that they can guarantee its online students the same quality that has become expected of its traditional programs on campus. Online students will have 24/7 access to advisors and academic counselors who are specially trained to work with online students. This is an excellent program that might curtail concerns that prospective students might have regarding online education. 

The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies offers a fully online Master of Public Health with a focus in Health Education and Promotion. The program is designed from the ground-up to prepare students for success in the following careers paths: 

• Federal Agencies
• State or Community Public Health Agencies
• Consulting Firms
• Universities
• Hospitals
• Research
• Nonprofit Organizations

Learn more about University of Alabama’s Online Master’s of Public Health

18 Kent State University

Kent State University offers adult learners and working students a number of affordable and actionable degree programs that are fully accredited and are helmed by expert faculty. Kent State University distinguishes itself through a number of student-centric programs and philosophies that look to remove barriers of entry to degree programs for nontraditional students. As such, there are no GRE requirements for Kent State University graduate programs.

Kent State University offers an online Master’s of Public Health (MPH) in Health Policy and Management that is consistently ranked as one of the best programs of its kind. Students can also earn a Master’s of Science in Clinical Epidemiology. Both programs are designed to emphasize the following central subjects: 

• Health Services Planning and Management
• Health Policy and Analysis
• Population Health Enhancement
• Local and National Public Health Strategies 

Learn more about Kent State University’s Online Master’s of Public Health

19 Ohio University

Ohio University is one of the oldest public research universities in the country, but despite its rich history it has been quick to adapt to the needs and expectations of modern students. Today, Ohio University offers a great selection of career-facing degree programs that are designed to prepare students for success in a competitive job market. 

Ohio University offers an online Master of Public Health that is built around a curriculum that reflects the needs of the job market. Specifically, graduates of the program will be prepared to take on any of the following positions: 

• Community health coordinator
• Environmental scientist or specialist
• Epidemiologist
• Health administrator
• Health educator
• Medical and health service manager
• Nonprofit manager
• Public health nurse
• Public health specialist
• Social and community service manager

Learn more about Ohio University’s Online Master’s of Public Health

20 Emory University

The Emory University Rollins School of Public Health is located in Atlanta, Georgia–which is often referred to as the public health capital of the world. The Rollins School of Public Health leverages its network and proximity to world-class public health institutions to provide students with learning opportunities and career opportunities. In recent years, the Rollins School of Public Health has demonstrated tremendous success in porting its on-campus program to the online space. 

Specifically, online students can an Executive Master of Public Health program (EMPH) that is completed through 42 credit hours over two years. The program is specifically designed to train students for positions of leadership and management. Students can further specialize their program by enrolling in of two specialty tracks: 

• Applied Epidemiology
• Prevention Science

Learn more about Emory University’s Online Master’s of Public Health

Related Resources:

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

The post The 20 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Public Health 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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

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