Studying Artificial Intelligence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED: The 20 Best Masters in Cyber Security Online

What Are the Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs?

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

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

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

1. Stanford University

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

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

Studying Artificial Intelligence at Stanford University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

2. Johns Hopkins University

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

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

Artificial Intelligence Studies at Johns Hopkins University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

3. Duke University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

4. Northeastern University

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

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

Studying Artificial Intelligence Online at Northeastern University

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

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

• Healthcare
• Finance
• Human resources
• Business ventures

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

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

In the AI for Healthcare Concentration, coursework includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

5. University of Colorado Boulder

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

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

Studying Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder

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

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

Machine learning coursework in this computer science degree program includes:

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

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

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

View program details.

6. Colorado State University

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

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

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

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

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

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

Core coursework in the program includes:

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

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

View program details.

7. Lewis University

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

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

Studying Artificial Intelligence at Lewis University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

8. Drexel University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

9. University of Advancing Technology

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

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

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

Studying Artificial Intelligence at the University of Advancing Technology

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

10. Davenport University

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

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

Undergraduate and Graduate Courses in AI at Davenport University

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

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

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

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

For the artificial intelligence specialty, coursework includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

11. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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

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

AI-Related Degree Programs at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

12. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

13. Carnegie Mellon University

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

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

Studying AI Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University

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

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

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

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

View program details.

14. University of San Diego

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

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

Studying Applied Artificial Intelligence at the University of San Diego

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

Courses in the program include the following:

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

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

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

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

View program details.

15. Dakota State University

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

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

RELATED: 50 Top Artificial Intelligence Degree Scholarships  

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

Dakota State University’s Bachelor of Science in AI program

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

16. Indiana University

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

The Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence at Indiana University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

17. Kansas State University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

18. Southern Methodist University

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

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

Concentrating on Artificial Intelligence at Southern Methodist University

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

19. Maryville University

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

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

The Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence at Maryville University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

20. University of California, Berkeley

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

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

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

Studying Artificial Intelligence at UC Berkeley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

Choosing the Right Schools for Artificial Intelligence Degrees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What image does the word “archaeologist” bring to mind? An aged professor proving over dusty volumes of technical notes? Or Indiana Jones, sweeping through an ancient temple to uncover a lost relic? The truth is, real-life archaeologists are a little of both: intrepid adventurers and technical researchers. They work with shovels and picks, as well as drones and 3D modeling software. They engage in scholarly debate and in public outreach. In short, archaeologists have highly varied and highly interesting work.

People have always been interested in the past. But for 99% of human history, no writing systems existed to record events and ideas. And even after the invention of writing, only certain types of events (such as the lives of rulers) were recorded, and, of these, only some texts have survived. In order to understand what events took place and how people lived in the past, scholars have turned to physical materials. From household rubbish heaps, to temples, from stone age tools to civil war cannons, artifacts tell the story of humankind, and archaeologists know how to understand what these items were, how they were used, and what they tell us about the people who made them.

Archaeologists have patience, dedication, focus, logic, analytical skills, and lots of natural curiosity. If you have the right disposition and an intense interest in the past, you may be curious about degrees and careers in archaeology. An estimated 91,776 people hold degrees in archaeology, from a bachelor’s to a PhD. But a degree in archaeology isn’t the right fit for every person, or every career path. Wondering if a career studying the past is in your future? Explore our guide to What Can I Do with an Archaeology Degree?

Jump To:

• What is Archaeology?
• What Types of Archaeology Are There?
• What Classes Will I take for a Degree in Archaeology?
• What Can I do with a Bachelor’s in Archaeology?
• What Can I do with a Master’s in Archaeology?
• What Can I do with a PhD in Archaeology?
• Can I Earn a Degree in Archaeology Online?
• What Jobs Can I Get with a Degree in Archaeology?
• What are the Pros and Cons of a Degree in Archaeology?

What is Archaeology?

Archaeology literally means “the study of that which is ancient,” and is defined as the scientific study of historic and prehistoric peoples, societies, and cultures. It is accomplished by excavating and analyzing artifacts and studying related locations, monuments, inscriptions, and biological remains. Archaeologists study the earliest humans, such as the stone tools of cave-dwelling hunter-gatherers from one million years ago. But they also study artifacts from modern times, such as the discarded household objects recovered from an early 20th century tenement building.

Archeology covers the study of people around the world and throughout the course of human history, with the common thread being a focus on the study of physical materials. Archaeology aims to determine what a given object was, when it came into being, how it was used, and what purpose or effects it had. The goal of archaeology is to develop a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of human culture.

People have always been curious about the past, and especially intrigued by exotic and mysterious monuments and relics. Antiquarianism, the study of history as it related to objects from the distant past, dates back to what we would now consider ancient times. Ancient Romans like the Augustan historian Livy studied and cataloged monuments and artworks from the past. Ancient Chinese scholars such as the Song Dynasty scholar Ouyang Xiu collected and analyzed early Chinese relics. With the excavation of sites like Stonehenge and Pompeii in the 1600s and 1700s, archeology began to evolve as a distinct field. By the 1800s, people had developed clear archeological practices and methods, such as dating objects based on their placement within layers of sediment. Rather than simply collecting beautiful and exotic antiquities, archeologists began to systematically gather and catalog artifacts for the purpose of building knowledge. Today, archaeology is concerned with the same quest for historical knowledge, but informed by a broader cultural understanding, and aided by high-tech tools like 3D modeling, drones, and photogrammetry.

Although it has been around for quite some time, there’s still no clear consensus on how to classify this heavily interdisciplinary field. As an academic discipline, archaeology can be difficult to pigeonhole. Depending on which expert you ask, this subject is either a highly scientific branch or the humanities, or else a highly humanistic branch of the social sciences. In fact, archaeology can be considered as both a part of the social sciences or the humanities. In the United States, Archaeology is conceived as a branch of anthropology in the United States, but in Europe, it is considered to be a branch of History or treated as a discipline in its own right.

Under the broader heading of humanities/social sciences, archaeology is usually seen as a branch of anthropology. Anthropologists study human culture and society, often those of the ancient past or far-flung locations. The field has several branches, such as Biological Anthropology, the study of human remains as they relate to people’s lifestyles and lives. And while many anthropologists study fossils, relics, dwellings, and inscriptions, archaeologists are unique in their particular focus on humans’ physical materials.

What Types of Archaeology Are There?

There are many specializations within archaeology, and no universal consensus on what makes up the main fields. Some archaeologists classify themselves based on the historical period or geographical location of their interest, such as Mesoamerica, Egyptology, or Classical Antiquity. Others may specialize in a particular type of relic, such as human remains (bioarchaeology), animals or plants (zooarchaeology or paleoethnobotany), or stone tools (lithics). Archaeologists may also specialize in particular practices, such as underwater archaeology (the study of submerged human remains and relics). Broadly speaking, archaeology can be divided into the sub-disciplines of Cultural resources management, Archaeometry, Historical archeology, Ethnoarchaeology, and Experimental archaeology. These fields are not entirely distinct, of course- for instance, many archaeologists conduct Cultural resources management as well as Historical archaeology.

Cultural resources management

Just as human activity takes a toll on natural resources, activities like development, travel, mining, warfare, climate change and looting take a toll on the sites that archaeologists want preserved. That includes established monuments, dig sites, and locations for potential future exploration. Cultural resources management (CRM) involves protecting archaeological sites from damage. And while preserving archeological sites may not be the first type of activity that comes to mind, CRM actually makes up most of the archaeological research conducted in the US and western Europe. There are plenty of federal and international laws governing how excavations need to be conducted, as well as tourism of historical sites and construction in or around areas that may have historical materials present. Cultural resources management requires a thorough knowledge of these laws and their application.

Archaeometry

From a fossil tooth to a stone temple, artifacts are physical objects with physical qualities that give information about the past. In order to understand this information, their physical properties mulct be accurately measured, described, and recorded. Archaeometry is the systematic measurement of objects, environments, and features that are important to archeology. It includes analytical techniques that include chemistry, physics, and engineering. These include methods like space syntax techniques, carbon dating, geodesy, and computer modeling and tools like geographic information systems.

Historical archaeology

The advent of writing marks the division between pre-history and history. Historical archaeology is focused on the study of cultures that had some form of writing. This can mean periods as recent as the 20th century or as early as 3,000 BC. This is perhaps the best-known type of archeology, and includes examples such as studying Victorian-era shipwrecks, Mayan temples, medieval villages, and American Civil War forts.

Ethnoarchaeology

Ethnography is the systematic study of societies and cultures, as observed from the point of view of a member of that society. Ethnoarchaeology is the application of Ethnography to the study of ancient peoples and cultures. While it’s possible to observe, measure, and catalog artifacts, it can be difficult to understand how these objects were constructed and used without entering into speculation. Ethnoarchaeology is the practice of systematic methods to determine how an ancient relic was created and used within the context of its society. Often, that can mean looking at contemporary modern societies that use similar items under similar environmental circumstances, making inferences about ancient societies that probably followed similar patterns. For example, an Ethnoarchaeologist might look at how modern peoples that fish for food using hand-woven nets in order to better understand how an ancient society might have done so.

Experimental Archaeology

Scientists formulate hypotheses, test them, and draw conclusions that can be repeatedly tested. Experimental archaeology is simply the application of this established experimental method to questions related to archeology. One of the most common forms of experimental archaeology is reconstruction archaeology. In reconstruction archaeology, an archaeologist attempts to create a structure or object identical to one that would have existed in an ancient society using only the materials and technology of that time period. For instance, an experimental archaeologist might crack open nuts using handmade stone tools in order to see if this caused scrapes on the tools similar to those found on real artifacts.

What Classes Will I take for a Degree in Archaeology?

For an Archaeology degree, you can expect to dabble in quite a few very different subjects, including the humanities, math, science. anthropology, art history, classics, world history, and foreign language. This broad, interdisciplinary curriculum will give you a context for understanding archeology before you ever get into archeology-specific classes. Required classes outside of the discipline archeology itself typically include:

• Calculus
• Probability and Statistics
• Applied Economics
• Biology
• Geology

In addition to math and science, you’ll likely need to take courses in history, politics, psychology and language, in order to have a broader context for understanding topics in Archaeology. Your classes in Archaeology itself may include titles like:

• Archaeology and World Prehistory
• Archaeological Theory and Interpretation
• Advanced Studies in Archaeology
• Biological Anthropology
• Foundations of Earth Sciences
• Ancient Art and Art History
• Museum Studies
• Environmental Archaeology
• Classical Civilization
• Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
• Human Osteology
• Cross Cultural Perspectives
• Measurement and Quantification in Social Sciences
• World Archaeology
• Human Evolution
• Field Methods in Archaeology

What Can I do with a Bachelor’s in Archaeology?

A bachelor’s degree is the first step on the road to a future in archaeology.
This undergraduate degree can be found as either a BS (bachelor of science) or a BA (bachelor of arts), and some colleges offer both types of degrees. Essentially, a BS has a stronger emphasis on the technical aspects of archaeology, while a BA incorporates more humanities and focuses on applied skills. Many schools offer a bachelor’s in anthropology with a concentration in archaeology, while others award bachelor’s in archeology with the potential to further specialize in a specific areas, such as MesoAmerican studies.

Students must traditionally work for four years on a full-time basis to earn a bachelor’s degree. If you take courses part-time, of course, your degree will take longer to earn, while an accelerated bachelor’s degree can be earned in about three years. Every degree program is different, but most consist of around 120 credits, or 40 courses. Your coursework will include classes in archaeology as well as hands-on learning, and a large number of required general education classes. The purpose of general education courses is to develop a well-rounded knowledge about the world and a context for understanding topics in your major.

A typical bachelor’s degree curriculum may include:

• Archaeology classes
• General education classes
• A foreign language
• Study abroad
• Labs and fieldwork
• Senior project

In completing a bachelor’s in archaeology, you’ll develop skills in analysis, computation, technology, methodology, and archeology theory. These are transferrable skills that can help you succeed in a variety of settings, such as education, administration, and activism. Transitioning to a non-archaeology field will require you to demonstrate to employers that you can apply your skills in a new role, however, and you may need additional experience or training to take on work outside the field. If you wish to work in the field of archaeology, however, your options with a bachelor’s degree will be limited to roles like assisting in laboratory work or excavation. In order to work as an archaeologist, you’ll need to earn at least a master’s in archaeology.

What Can I do with a Master’s in Archaeology?

To get a master’s in archaeology, you’ll need to have a bachelors in archaeology, or in a related field like anthropology, classical studies, or art history. A master’s usually takes two years to earn on a full-time basis, though an Accelerated Master’s Degree Program can be completed in just 18 months, while a part-time program takes longer.

A master’s in archaeology will focus on the archaeology major, and will not have not general education classes, though you will be required to demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language for most. In addition to archaeology classes, you’ll complete extensive hands-on learning through lab work and fieldwork. Many schools offer (or require) international studies as part of their archaeology program. You’ll also be required to complete a research-based thesis or project in your second year. In addition, many schools require students to complete a comprehensive examination before graduating.

If you’d like to specialize in a particular area, many schools offer archaeology concentrations, such as:

• Applied Anthropology
• Ecological Anthropology
• Medical Anthropology
• History and Social Memory
• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Land, Culture and Society

You may also want to consider a minor in a related field, such as a foreign language, gender studies, sociology, history, or geology. A minor can enhance your specialization within the field of archaeology. Alternatively, a minor can broaden your expertise and make it easier to find work outside the field of archaeology instruction and research.

With a master’s in archaeology, you’ll be able to find work in the archaeology field, such as cultural resource management, education, fieldwork, outreach, historic preservation, or museum curation. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that many positions require a PhD in archaeology, especially those involving research and international studies.

What Can I do with a PhD in Archaeology?

A PhD is a “terminal degree”- the highest degree offered in the field of Archaeology. With this degree, you’ll be an expert in your field, and qualified for research and teaching positions. But earning a PhD is a long and difficult process; it takes 4-9 years to earn a PhD, and many students drop out before completing this rigorous process. In order to earn a PhD in anthropology, you’ll need to complete new research in a specific niche area of anthropology. Under the direction of a thesis advisor, you’ll formulate an original research question, conduct painstaking research, and literally “write the book” on your area of focus by drafting, publishing, and defending your doctoral thesis.

With a PhD in Archaeology, you’ll be qualified to work as an academic archaeologist, project archaeologist, principal investigator, CRM manager, or State Historical Preservation Officer. These are leadership positions, and will allow you to lead and train junior colleagues and students, and to research your own areas of interest. And with a PhD in archaeology, you’ll meet the legal requirements which, in many cases, stipulate that archaeologists working abroad much hold a PhD in archaeology.

Can I Earn a Degree in Archaeology Online?

Archaeology is a latecomer to the field of online education, but there are now a few schools offering online degrees in archaeology. Most students who opt to earn an online degree do so in order to maintain employment or continue to meet family obligations while working towards a degree on a part-time basis. Online education saves busy students from spending time on a commute, and also allows them to access much of their course content on demand. In the case of an online archaeology degree, geographic availability is another important factor. Many areas don’t have a school with a strong archaeology department available locally, and students in this situation may opt to enroll in a well-established archaeology program offered through a school’s online campus. Leading schools such as Harvard offer prestigious online archaeology degrees, while smaller schools may have less “brand recognition” but offer more affordable tuition.

In general, most nine archaeology degree programs do require some degree of on-site participation. This is because archaeology is such a hands-on field, and students can best learn how to conduct a real-life excavation, examination, and measurement procedure by actually observing and participating in real life. This live, interactive learning experience can take the form of an on-campus immersion, on-site field work in a lab or dig site, or a study abroad experience.

What Jobs Can I Get with a Degree in Archaeology?

Your work with an archaeology degree will depend greatly on the degree level you achieve and your preference for applied or academic archaeology. Academic archaeology jobs are those most people associate with the term “archaeology”: professors and researchers. These individuals typically work in a university or museum and conduct field or lab-based research, and hold a PhD in archaeology.

Most archeology work is conducted with cultural resource management (CRM) firms, which execute archaeological investigations associated with federal and private construction projects. Federal law requires that surveys and (where indicated) excavations take place where land is to be disturbed for construction projects, and CRM firms make sure that development does not come at the cost of archeological finds. Applied archaeology positions include roles at museums, national parks, tourism bureaus, federal and state governments, and historical societies.

Archaeologists tend to work in a variety of settings, reading and writing research papers, cataloging and measuring materials in the lab, excavating artifacts at dig sites, viewing materials in museums and libraries, and visiting historic locations around the country or globe. While this is an exceptionally interesting and varied role, archaeology isn’t known to be a lucrative field. Fortunately, it’s not far behind the national average, either. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary with a degree in archaeology is $62,410. Most archaeologists hold a master’s degree, and the average income associated with a master’s is $68,000 according to the BLS.

The BLS also reports that jobs in archaeology will grow 4% between 2016 and 2026. This is slower than the national average, as there are more people with degrees in archaeology than available positions. But as with salary, the news isn’t too bad. Job growth of between 5-9% is considered “average” by the BLS, meaning that a rate of 4% for the filed of archaeology isn’t lagging too far behind the national average.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Degree in Archaeology?

Why get a degree in archaeology? For most students, the answer is simple: they want to. That is, they’ve been interested in the field from a young age, and simply enjoy being involved in anything related to exploring the past. Archaeologists tend to be passionate about their work, and their dedication and excitement about their area of specialty allows them to persist in spite of the field’s challenges.

The main drawbacks of an archaeology degree are a modest salary and competition for jobs. There are fewer archaeology positions than qualified candidates, and many people with archaeology degrees have to spend a great deal of time working in a related field, such as foreign language instruction, or working in a role for which they are overqualified while waiting for the right position to open up. This is especially true for those who want a job in academia. Tenure-track professorships in archaeology simply don’t open up frequently, and those seeking these roles should be willing to relocate for work. Salaries in the field are also modest, which can pose a problem for those who have taken out loans or used their savings to pursue an advanced degree.

On the plus side, archaeology is, simply put, a fascinating field. Few jobs offer the potential to make new discoveries, explore real-life mysteries, and travel to exotic locations. Archaeology offers all these things, as well as the potential to contribute to mankind’s body of knowledge and deepen our understanding of our past, ourselves, and one another.

Further Reading:

• What degree do I need to become an Archaeologist?
• Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Careers
• What Can I do with a Liberal Arts Degree?
• Top 15 Liberal Arts Schools in America
• Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Careers
• 50 Best Online Degrees for 2019
• 20 Best Degree Programs for Undergraduates
• 23 Fastest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
• Top 25 Fastest Online Doctorate Degrees

The post What Can I Do With an Archaeology Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1. Ph.D. in Astronomy

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $104,100

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

2. Ph.D. in Physics

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $111,580

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

3. Bachelor’s in Atmospheric Science Degree

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $89,820

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

 4. Bachelor’s Degree in Biology

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Science

Median Salary: $77,190

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

5. Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $107,830

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

6. Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $111,730

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

7. Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $95,230

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

8. Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Engineering

Median Salary: $83,590

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

9. Associate’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering Technology

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Technology

Median Salary: $66,180

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

10. Associate’s Degree in Avionics Technology

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Technology

Median Salary: $58,540

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

11. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Professional

Median Salary: $67,190

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

12. Bachelor’s Degree in Communications

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $70,240

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

13. Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $56,770

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

14. Bachelor’s Degree in Film

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $68,440

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

15. Bachelor’s Degree in Photography

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

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

Occupational Grouping: Media and Communications

Median Salary: $31,700

Similar Degree Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Art

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

For Further Reading: 

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

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

What Degree Do You Need to Be an Astrophysicist?

Best Paying Jobs With a Geography Degree

Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

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

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

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?

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

What Is a Degree in Environmental Science?

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

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

RELATED: The 20 Easiest Online Bachelor’s Degrees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which School Offers the Best Online Environmental Science Degree?

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

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

What to Look for in Online Environmental Science Degree Programs

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

The Quality of the Curriculum

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

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

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

Affordability

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Institutional Accreditation

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

The Student Online Learning Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

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

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

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

RELATED: The 20 Best Online Masters in Environmental Studies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

Related Resources:

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Best Paying Jobs With a Geography Degree

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

Building degrees are wide and varied and in today’s economy a great bet for a range of employment opportunities including starting your own building business, consulting, or working for someone else.

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to “put things together” and wondered how the objects that surround us daily were made, a building degree could be a great fit for you.

Below we’re going to look at a wide range of building degrees, including degrees in civil engineering, architecture, construction management, construction technology, and other degree programs.

Think you may be interested in a building degree? Be sure to check out some of our related content including rankings of the best building degree programs out there.

• The Best Graduate Architecture Programs
• The Best Undergraduate Architecture Programs
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Drafter?
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Civil Engineer?
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Land Surveyor
• The Best “Bang For Your Buck” Associates Degrees
• What is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Degree and an Architecture Degree?

Still need more information? Be sure to read through our guide on building degrees below!

Table of Contents

• What is a Building Degree?
• Can I Get a Building Degree Online?
• How Do I Gain Admission To A Building Degree?
• What Can I Do With a Building Degree?

What is a Building Degree?

Building degrees are a general category of higher education degrees that include:

• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Management
• Construction Technology
• And Related Disciplines

When looking at this range of disciplines, building degrees are available at the associates through doctoral levels (as well as in the form of many professional certifications).

Below we’ll walk through the four most common disciplines related to building sciences.

First, are the masterminds behind nearly every building you’ve ever set foot in, architects. Architecture as an academic discipline begins with pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level. Typically a bachelor’s in architecture takes 5 years for completion, and can be used to jump into the job title of “architect.”

The major subjects studied within a bachelor’s level architecture degree include CAD drawing, architecture history, construction method, steel structural designs, and green design principles.

At the master’s level, architecture is often bundled with pre-professional programs. These “4 + 2” programs as they’re commonly called end up with students graduating with a bachelor’s and master’s in architecture in six years, as opposed to spending 5 years just on a pre-professional bachelor’s in architecture degree.

At the master’s level, students are more likely to be able to move directly into an “architect role.” Students in these programs study a selection of the following:

• Architectural Theory
• Formal Analysis of Structures
• Visualization and Computation
• A Multi-semester Building Project
• Environmental Design
• Urban Design
• An Advanced Design Studio
• And Management of Architectural Projects

For students without a bachelor’s in architecture, master’s in architecture often take three years of full-time study.

Our second common “building” discipline is civil engineering. Civil engineers are often employed in building communal or public projects including roads, dams, bridges, and the like. Civil engineers work for public and private entities and are found in nearly every location. Approval of new construction projects that many individuals will use almost always includes consultation with a civil engineer.

The primary degree that prepares one for civil engineering is a bachelor’s in civil engineering or civil engineering technology. Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree, students prepare for a licensure exam and then are required to take continuing education credits for the remainder of their practicing years.

Courses that are commonly taken in a bachelor’s in civil engineering (or civil engineering technology) include statistics, mechanics and systems of engineering, advanced math courses, fluid dynamics, physics, and a range of fieldwork requirements.

As with all engineering disciplines, master’s and doctor of engineering (D.Eng.) degrees are also available, though not required to land a job as an engineer of this type.

Our third degree type is construction management. Construction management degrees are available at the associates through the master’s level. These interdisciplinary degrees take from common degree types such as management, business, and construction-centered courses.

Specific coursework that students may take in a construction management degree include: mathematics, natural sciences, business administration, structural behavior, architecture, structural systems, construction methods, and basic technology courses.

At the master’s level, courses typically require 1-2 years and may come with industry certifications in sub disciplines such as historic restoration, green building, real estate, and so forth.

Our final degree category within building degrees is that of construction technology. Today, there are many subdisciplines within the construction industry that require advanced tech skills.

This degree type may be obtained at the associates through masters level, though most commonly offered at the associates level. It is generally considered a vocational or professional degree that is focused on applied (job-centered) learning.

Some of the most common courses that you may take if you pursue a degree in construction technology include:

• Construction Material Strengths and Measurements
• Surveying Equipment
• AutoCAD Applications
• Mechanics of Drafting and Engineering
• Technical Drawing
• Computer Applications in Construction
• Intro to Construction Technology
• Construction Materials and Methods

Think you may be interested in a building degree? Be sure to check out some of our related content including rankings of the best building degree programs out there.

• The Best Graduate Architecture Programs
• The Best Undergraduate Architecture Programs
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Drafter?
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Civil Engineer?
• What Degree Do I Need To Become a Land Surveyor
• The Best “Bang For Your Buck” Associates Degrees
• What is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Degree and an Architecture Degree?

Can I Get a Building Degree Online?

Building occurs in-person, on-site, but also in offices, meetings, and using drafting programs. Keep this in mind, when seeking out a building degree. That building is in many ways literally a “brick and mortar” experience. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t quality building degrees that are available online. Just that many programs do require an in-person component or field experience.

With that said, you can find fully online and fully in-person building degrees. It depends on the degree and the school offering the program.

While you’re choosing whether you want to pursue a degree online or in-person, you should be aware of some of the following terminology.

1. 1. If a program is a hybrid program, you’ll need to attend some on-campus events but a sizable portion of the program will be online. Hybrid can mean you’re expected to come to campus once a week, or once a year. So make sure you know what exactly the program you’re interested in means by the term hybrid.
   2. Fully online programs will often advertise the fact that they are fully online. This means that you do not need to attend any on-campus events including orientation or graduation. A great number of online programs actually include some hybrid components, so if a program you are interested in does not explicitly disclose that they’re 100% online, inquire.
   3. Synchronous online courses mean that you attend an online course at the same time as your classmates. Similarly to an in-person course, everyone “shows up” at the same time. Only the course is presented online.
   4. Asynchronous online courses involve logging on when you want to watch videos and perform course-related tasks. There will likely still be due dates, and you’ll still communicate with classmates and the professor. It’s just a more flexible format in which to take courses online

While more and more students do have a great student experience studying online, it’s not for everyone. You should do your research as to the pros and cons of attending your specific program online.

Some of the most common pros and cons of online education include the following:
Pros:

1. 1. • There are lower fees in many online degrees.
      • You don’t have to move or leave your job for an online degree.
      • Asynchronous programs allow you great flexibility.
      • You graduate with an identical degree.

Cons:

1. 1. • More self direction required for online degrees.
      • More difficult to meet classmates or attend networking events.
      • Lower level of support services (often).
      • Lack of college or grad school “experience.'”

With all that said, online universities work well for many students. And there are a wide range of online universities that all provide different experiences.

Think you may be interested in a building degree? Be sure to check out some of our related content including rankings of the best building degree programs out there.

1. 1. • The Best Graduate Architecture Programs
      • The Best Undergraduate Architecture Programs
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Drafter?
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Civil Engineer?
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Land Surveyor
      • The Best “Bang For Your Buck” Associates Degrees
      • What is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Degree and an Architecture Degree?

How Do I Gain Admission To A Building Degree?

Building degrees are no exception to general admission policies depending on the degree level you’re pursuing.

Starting with the lowest higher education degree level, associates degree programs often offer open enrollment. This doesn’t mean that you can just show up, but that they admit all applicants that meet certain prerequisites.

Typically those prerequisites include a satisfactory completion of an application packet as well as the submission of transcripts to show graduation from high school.

At the bachelor’s level, there’s greater variability in what is expected of successful applicants. Some schools have open admission policies similar to many community colleges, while others are quite competitive in their application process.

Common components required for admission to bachelor’s-level building degrees include the submission of a Federal financial aid application (FAFSA), a standardized college admission test score (ACT or SAT), transcripts, as well as the filling out of an application packet. Transcripts are used to determine that you did indeed graduate from a high school, and that you have achieved a minimum GPA requirement. Most commonly, schools require students to have gotten at or above a 2.5 or 3.0 GPA. The most competitive programs may require as high as a 3.75 GPA for admissions.

Master’s-level building programs typically require GRE test results, proof that you’ve made arrangements for paying for the program, transcripts, and resumes. Transcripts are used to determine that you are a graduate of a regionally accredited undergraduate institution. Resumes are often used to fulfill work requirements and to provide information that may not have surfaced elsewhere in the application. At the graduate level, students may take out up to the full cost of attendance in Federal student loans. Other common payment routes include employer pay and self pay.

Two noteworthy differences are that construction management master’s degrees typically require GRE scores for admissions. And architecture bachelor’s degrees may require additional application measures as they are often competitive and intensive courses of study.

Think you may be interested in a building degree? Be sure to check out some of our related content including rankings of the best building degree programs out there.

1. 1. • The Best Graduate Architecture Programs
      • The Best Undergraduate Architecture Programs
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Drafter?
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Civil Engineer?
      • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Land Surveyor
      • The Best “Bang For Your Buck” Associates Degrees
      • What is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Degree and an Architecture Degree?
      • What Civil Engineering Courses Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Civil Engineering?

What Can I Do With a Building Degree?

Finally, what you’ve been waiting for. Well, the short answer is that building degrees can take you into many roles (particularly when coupled with experience). There are many construction firm owners that hold associates degrees in building technology. There are small business owners that are architects, and there are highly sought after construction technologists.

Particularly in an expanding economy, real estate and development opportunities are all over the place.

Some of the most common roles include:

1. 1. • Building Science Engineer
      • Civil Engineer
      • Construction Technologist
      • Site Supervisor
      • Architect
      • Drafters
      • Real Estate Developer
      • And Cost Estimator

Working our way down the list, building science engineers (also called construction engineers) are generally civil engineers that actually oversee construction work. While some civil engineers oversee plans from their home office, construction engineers are commonly “on the ground” and helping to oversee some of the most crucial structural aspects of building roads, bridges, and buildings.

The average salary for building science engineers is currently close to $90,000. Though many construction engineers may eventually go out and start their own consulting businesses to bring in much more money.

Civil Engineers are one of the most common types of engineers and are involved with nearly every construction type. In particular, infrastructure projects are within the purview of civil engineers including dams, harbors, bridges, roads, as well as large buildings that need to be able to withstand a variety of natural events.

Job duties of civil engineers include performing feasibility and technical studies, the management of budgets, overseeing construction projects, legal compliance, utilizing a range of advanced software for design and calculations, ordering materials, and generally being the “expert” for building projects.

The average salary for civil engineers is presently $91,790, with more senior engineers easily making over $100,000.

Construction technologists (also known as construction specialists depending on the role) are responsible for some facet of operations within a construction environment. Generally these specialists will focus on one area of construction tasks. Perhaps that’s heavy machinery operation, perhaps it’s electronic systems within building, and the list goes on.

While average salaries vary depending on what area of construction technology, many construction specialists make close to $60,000 a year.

Site supervisors are the day-to-day logistics and human resources managers for building sites. Responsibilities of site supervisors include managing orders of materials, ensuring compliance of workers, hiring and firing of construction workers, overseeing subcontractors, ensuring a project stays on budget, and generally providing leadership to ensure that projects are completed in a satisfactory measure. Generally, site supervisors have worked in the construction industry for 5-10 years.

The average salary for site supervisors in construction settings is presently $70,067.

Architects play a role in designing and approving designs for nearly every building projects. These specialists must attend rigorous 5 year pre-professional programs, or hold master’s degrees in architecture. Additionally, professional licensure exams are required to be able to practice as an architect.

Job requirements of this role include preparing and proposing designs for clients, playing advisor roles, coordinating subcontractor work, periodic visits to building sites to assess progress, and the creation of detailed drawings and calculations for building. The average salary for architects in the United States is currently $76,100.

Drafters work in architecture and engineering firms in the public and private sector. These professionals are skilled at converting the drawings of engineers and architects into workable technical drawings that guide construction. Typically drafters specialize in one aspect of engineering including civil, electrical, architectural, or mechanical drawings.

Drafters typically only require associate’s degrees, and earn an average salary of over $55,000.

Real Estate Developers play a hybrid role of investor, manager, salesperson, and designer. While real estate developer positions typically mean you run your own business, these are also roles within established real estate companies. Typical duties include the identification of finished or unfinished properties, planning for how to make improvements or repairs on said properties, and go-to-market strategies once improvements to the property are made.

While the highest paid real estate developers have earned billions of dollars in their trade, the average salary for a real estate developer not running their own company is presently $91,333.

Cost estimators are specialists in construction logistics. Common job tasks include reviewing technical documentation and project planning documents to ascertain the viability of plans. They may provide detailed cost lists or documentation on how materials will get to the work site, what temporary aid is needed in construction, and potential hang-ups to do with logistics in construction. Cost estimators should also be good communicators as they often have to interface with a wide variety of stake holders.

The average salary for cost estimators is presently $54,026.

Finally, construction worker jobs can also benefit from building degrees. While you don’t need a degree to get your foot in the door as a construction worker, furthering your education can help you move into specialized or supervisorial roles.

Besides technical skills needed for demolition, construction, and tasks such as the laying of concrete and operation of machinery, construction workers must be team players, willing to learn, and decent at communication. Construction workers that enhance their education to some degree may quickly find themselves promoted to foreman, IT specialist, or roles such as building inspector or cost estimator.

The average salary for construction workers is presently $38,890.

Additional jobs that building degrees will likely prepare you for include:

1. 1. • Construction Worker
      • Building Inspector
      • Foreman
      • Among Others

Think you may be interested in a building degree? Be sure to check out some of our related content including rankings of the best building degree programs out there.

1. • The Best Graduate Architecture Programs
   • The Best Undergraduate Architecture Programs
   • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Drafter?
   • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Civil Engineer?
   • What Degree Do I Need To Become a Land Surveyor
   • The Best “Bang For Your Buck” Associates Degrees
   • What is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Degree and an Architecture Degree?
   • Architect vs Engineer: What Is the Benefit of an Engineering Degree Over an Architecture Degree?

The post What Can I Do With a Building Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

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

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

What Is a Fire Science Degree?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Bachelor’s in Fire Science Degrees Online

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

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

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

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

1. University of Florida

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

Why Study Fire Science at the University of Florida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

2. Fayetteville State University

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

Why Study Fire Science at Fayetteville State University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

3. New Jersey City University

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

Why Study Fire Science at New Jersey City University

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

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

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

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

Coursework in New Jersey City University’s Fire Science Program

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

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

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

View program details.

4. Columbia Southern University

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

Why Study Fire Science at Columbia Southern University

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

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

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

Coursework in Columbia Southern University’s Fire Administration Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View program details.

5. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

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

Why Study Fire Science at the Univesity of Wisconsin

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

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

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

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

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

Core coursework for the program as a whole includes:

• Intro to public administration
• Intro to leadership
• Critical thinking and writing
• Fire & emergency services leadership
• Public personnel administration
• Services personnel
• Mentoring for emergency
• Budgeting for managers
• Conflict resolution for the emergency services
• Administrative law
• Government and economy
• Applied research in emergency management

Students who choose the Fire Service Management Emphasis take classes such as:

• Management of emergency services
• Fire prevention organization and management
• Community risk reduction for fire & emergency services
• Occupational safety and health in emergency services
• Intercultural communication

Learning outcomes of completing this program include the ability to apply theoretical leadership concepts to real-world fire services management, utilize systematic planning in emergency response management, understand the natural science behind fire response and approach fire and emergency practice from the diverse perspectives of fire.

View program details.

6. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is another school that offers a great fire science bachelor degree online. UNC Charlotte is a public university established in 1946.

Why Study Fire Science at the University of North Carolina

UNC Charlotte isn’t only the third largest university located in North Carolina. The school also bills itself as the fastest-growing college in the state. The total enrollment in Fall 2021 amounted to over 30,000, including more than 6,000 graduate students.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on college rankings lists including national universities, best value schools, top public schools and best colleges for veterans.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte encompasses seven academic colleges, plus a Graduate School and an Interdisciplinary Studies division. The academic colleges at UNC Charlotte include:

• Belk College of Business
• Cato College of Education
• College of Arts + Architecture
• College of Computing & Informatics
• College of Health & Human Services
• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
• The William States Lee College of Engineering

All told, there are over 170 bachelor’s degree programs of study and more than 150 graduate programs at UNC Charlotte. The online division of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, UNC Charlotte Online, is where working professionals study through the School of Professional Studies. Students can choose from more than 50 online programs of study, including the Bachelor of Science in Fire & Safety Engineering Technology degree.

Coursework in UNC-Charlotte’s Fire Safety Engineering Technology Program

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s online undergraduate degree in fire services focuses on engineering technology, particularly as it pertains to fire safety. As such, this program is as well suited for students interested in roles like fire inspector, fire prevention officer, building code official and corporate safety specialist as it is for aspiring firefighters.

Coursework in the program includes the following areas of study:

• Fire dynamics
• Active fire protection
• Fire safety in the built environment
• Risk management
• Electronic circuits and devices
• Industrial hazards & electricity
• Industrial hygiene
• Environmental pollution control
• Advanced fire service administration
• Command and control of major disasters
• Engineering economics
• Research investigation
• Adult learning theory in safety
• Fire and safety capstone

This fully online program of study is a degree completion program. The 61-credit curriculum is designed to build upon an Associate of Applied Science degree in fire science, fire protection or a related program of study.

RELATED: What is the Difference in a Fire Science vs. Fire Protection Engineering Degree?

UNC Charlotte also offers an online professional development certificate program known as Fire & Rescue Management Institute. This program is intended for established fire and rescue personnel. The curriculum covers a variety of aspects of professional development, including leadership, communication, strategic planning and team building.

View program details.

7. Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Next on our list of the top online fire degrees is Colorado State University, Fort Collins.

Why Study Fire Science at Colorado State University

Colorado State University, Fort Collins is a public institution founded in 1870.  This Tier 1 Research institution is celebrated as one of the best research universities in the nation. Students and faculty at Colorado State University work hand-in-hand to explore infectious illnesses, innovations in environmental science, mysteries of atmospheric science, and breakthroughs in clean energy technologies. The school also reports an 85% job placement rate within six months of graduation.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Colorado State University among the top public schools, best value schools, national universities and best colleges for veterans.

Colorado State University educates more than 33,400 students, and its faculty is growing to match. The school is home to eight colleges Students can choose from close to 300 academic programs. CSU Online, the college’s distance learning division, offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees in the following fields:

• Agricultural sciences
• Arts and music
• Busienss and communications
• Computer science and technology
• Education
• Engineering
• Government studies
• Health, biology and social sciences
• Natural resources management and tourism
• social work
• Student affairs
• Exploratory studies

 The Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration at Colorado State University is part of the Natural Resources Management and Tourism area of study.

Coursework in Colorado State University’s Fire & Emergency Services Administration Program

Working professionals with prior college credits to transfer and a background in fire and emergency services can complete the bachelor’s program in fire and emergency administration at Colorado State University in as little as two years.

The core curriculum for this program consists of 37 credits of coursework in areas like the following:

• Fire emergency services administration
• Essentials of emergency management
• Fire service leadership
• Trends in fire science technology
• Structure influence on tactics and strategy
• Proposals/reports in fire service management
• Human resources for fire and emergency
• Fire and emergency services budgeting
• Legal considerations in fire and emergency

Students also complete elective coursework in areas such as:

• Industrial process and fire protection
• Fire protection through model building codes
• Emergency medical service management
• Indident command system s
• Prevention program management
• Policy and public administration
• Training management program

Students in the program learn to successfully apply the academic knowledge they gain to managerial and administrative roles in fire and emergency. In doing so, they not only develop the skills to improve their career in their current workplace settings but also prepare for future career advancement.

View program details.

8. The University of Nebraska at Omaha

Another institution to consider for a fire science degree is the University of Nebraska at Omaha. This school’s interesting history dates back to 1908. Although the University of Omaha was initially a private school, the college was made a public institution – which it remains today – in 1930.

Why Study Fire Science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha

More than 15,000 students are enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. To teach and serve these students, the school employs nearly 2,100 faculty and staff.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha has been recognized with the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification for Community Engagement. The school is home to six colleges:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business Administration
• College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
• College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
• College of Information Science & Technology
• College of Public Affairs and Community Service

the school offers more than 60 online undergraduate degree, graduate degree and certificate programs. One such program is the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management with a Concentration in Fire Service Management.

Coursework in the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Emergency Management Program

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s fire science online program is technically a degree in emergency management. Fire Service Management is one of more than a dozen areas of concentration students can pursue within this online program.

The core curriculum for the emergency management degree includes coursework in the following areas:

• Introduction to emergency management
• Introduction to public administration
• Emergency management strategies and communication
• Disaster response and recovery
• Preparedness/planning and risk mitigation
• Agency collaboration during disasters
• Political and legal foundations in emergency services
• Applied statistics and data processing in the public sector
• Internship in emergency management
• Capstone project in emergency management

Students in the Fire Service Management Concentration take the following classes:

• Fire prevention, organization, and management
• Fire and emergency services administration
• Strategies and tactics in fire and emergency services
• Analytical approaches to public fire protection
• Codes and inspections

Students in the emergency management degree program at the University of Nebraska Omaha complete two separate 15-credit concentrations, amounting to 30 total l credits of concentration coursework. Among the secondary concentration options students may wish to pair with their fire services coursework are Natural Disasters, Public Administration and Management, Planning and Preparing for Urban Hazards and Nonprofit Management.

Students must earn120 credits to graduate with their emergency management degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha. 

View program details.

9. American Public University System

If you’re not opposed to earning your fire science degree online from a for-profit institution, turn your attention to American Public University. The American Public University System is a private online system that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Why Study Fire Science at American Public University

In addition to housing American Public University and its fire science degree program, the American Public University System also encompasses the American Military University. The parent company behind the American Public University System is a private-sector organization called American Public Education, Inc.

The American Public University System is best known for offering programs in areas like business, homeland security and disaster management and liberal arts and humanities. Currently, the American Public University System teaches 89,291 students and employs more than 1,600 faculty members. The school offers more than 270 academic programs, including certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctoral programs. These programs are offered out of the following academic schools within the American Public University System:

• Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business
• School of Arts, Humanities & Education
• School of Health Sciences
• School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
• School of Security & Global Studies

APUS offers an online Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Management program is offered through

Coursework in American Public University’s Fire Science Management Program

Students pursuing online fire science degrees from American Public University complete 66 semester hours of required courses for the major. Subjects of required study include:

• Fire behavior and combustion
• Fire dynamics
• Fire prevention
• Principles of fire and emergency services safety and survival
• Fundamentals of fire protection
• Fire protection systems
• Fire protection hydraulics and water supply
• Fire protection structure and system design
• Fire protection in building construction
• Community risk reduction for the fire and emergency services
• Community fire mitigation and protection
• Emergency planning
• Emergency and disaster incident command
• Managerial issues in hazardous materials
• Fire administration and finance
• Fire regulation, policy, and law
• Fire safety and risk regulation
• Incendiary fire analysis and investigation
• Applications of fire research
• Psychology of disaster

The curriculum of this program introduces students to students fire suppression methods, safety, protection and fire prevention as well as firefighting leadership and management. American Public University ystemsS’s bachelor’s degree in fire sciences and management is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

View program details.

10. Anna Maria College

Completing our list of the best fire science schools at the bachelor’s level is Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts.

Why Study Fire Science at Anna Maria College

Anna Maria College is a private, nonprofit Catholic college founded in 1946. Its 260-acre campus is less than an hour from Boston. The school is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report has included Anna Maria College on its lists of the top regional universities in the North and top performers on social mobility.

for the most recent year for which Anna Maria College currently has data available (2019), total enrollment amounted to more than 1,400. Online students accounted for nearly one-quarter of the total student population (175 undergraduate and 177 graduate students).

At Anna Maria College, 99% of students receive some form of financial aid. That’s a big consideration for prospective students who are on a budget, especially since not all roles in the fire protection services are well paid.

The institution offers undergraduate programs of study in more than 30 areas, as well as graduate degrees and certificates. Among the online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs available online from Anna Maria College is a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science program.

Coursework in Anna Maria College’s Fire Science Program

If you want to ascend to roles like fire investigator, fire chief or fire marshal, Anna Maria College’s fire science degree may be for you. The FESHE-recognized curriculum encompasses 60 credits of coursework.

Required courses for the online fire science program include studies in areas such as:

• Fire behavior and combustion
• Fundamentals of fire prevention
• Principles of emergency services
• Fire protection systems
• Building construction for fire protection
• Fire protection hydraulics & water supply
• Analytical approaches to public fire protection
• Applications for fire research
• Fire service ethics

Students also take six elective courses, seminar courses, an optional internship course and courses that meet college-wide requirements in areas like writing and quantitative reasoning. Together, this requirement adds up to 20 total courses.

Anna Maria College’s online program is intended as a bachelor’s degree completion program. Applicants should have either an associate degree or 60 credits of prior college coursework. Professional work experience and certification in roles like Fire Officer I is also valuable.

Prospective students who want to take their education even further may be interested in Anna Maria College’s fast-track Master of Public Administration program. Under this program, students in their final year of the bachelor’s degree program take some graduate-level courses that apply to both their bachelor’s and master’s programs. This allows them to complete the MPA curriculum in just one additional year of study instead of two. The Master of Public Administration program with a Fire and Emergency Services Specialization includes studies in labor-management relations, policy and strategy and customer service in addition to public policy, strategic planning and executive leadership.

View program details.

The post The 10 Best Online Fire Science Degree Bachelor’s Programs appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us – Winston Churchill

Civil engineering is the design, development, and maintenance of infrastructure. In America, we’re facing significant infrastructure issues. These issues can be seen in our airports, train systems, bridges, roads, and water systems. From the Rust Belt to major cities like New York and Los Angeles, there are comprehensive infrastructure challenges that must be addressed. We’ve all heard about Flint, Michigan’s water crisis, but throughout the country, there are areas where people can’t depend on clean, dependable running water.

This is just one of the challenges facing the modern civil engineer. Fortunately, civil engineers have a long track record of beating seemingly insurmountable odds to create safe and sustainable projects that markedly improve the lives of anyone who utilizes or relies on them.

One great example of a civil engineering success is the Qingdao Haiwan Bridge. Built in 2011 the bridge is 26.4 miles long, making it the longest bridge in the world based on its aggregate length. It took 10,000 workers four years to build and required 450,000 tons of steel along with 3 million cubic yards of concrete. It was designed to withstand earthquakes up to 8.0 on the Richter scale, impacts from 300,000-ton vessels, as well as typhoons.

These massive civil engineering projects aren’t new, and in fact, some of the historical accomplishments in the field are extremely impressive, especially when you consider the times and places they happened in. Consider the Panama Canal. In the 1600’s Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor wanted a route that ships could take between Peru in Spain. Hundreds of years later his dream became a reality in the form of the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through movable locks that lift and lower ships. It saves thousands of miles on each trip between North and South America. In 1914 it opened. Now 15,000 ships use it each year.

Each ship that passes through must be raised and lowered by 85 feet across the canal, and each movable lock door weighs 750 tons and fills with 52 million gallons of water to support the thousands of ships that go through it each year. The project required 60 million pounds of dynamite and 40,000 workers.

These are just a couple of the most important civil engineering projects in human history, but they demonstrate how much can be accomplished with a bold vision and the will to bring it to fruition. Civil engineers handily solve complex problems by coordinating as many skilled professionals they require. If they’re successful, their works stand the test of time and markedly improve the lives of incalculable people over the years and decades after they’re completed.

Being a civil engineer is extremely rewarding and challenging work. It’s not for everyone, but if you have the aptitude and the will to thrive in this field, a top-notch civil engineering education can give you the tools you’ll need to have a successful, long-lasting career in the field.

By earning a civil engineering degree you can help build a better, more efficient world and help people live better lives whenever they make use of your works.

In this handy, thorough guide, we’ll look into the available civil engineering degrees, including different degree levels and common specializations. We’ll also look at all that we’ve done at Degree Query to help you find the best civil engineering degree for you. While you peruse this resource, please ask yourself and consider the following (among other factors that might pertain to you):

• What are your short and longterm career goals, and how can a degree in civil engineering help you reach them?
• You don’t need to have an exact plan of how your education and career will go, but starting with a premise about where you’d like to work and what you’re good at is a great way to explore your civil engineering degree options.
• What degrees do you currently hold? What civil engineering position do you want, and what degree level would you need to reach to qualify for it?
• Entry-level civil engineering positions often require at least a Bachelor’s degree. Applicants with graduate or doctoral degrees can reach more senior positions and are preferred for competitive civil engineering positions.
• How much can you afford to pay in tuition and the other costs that are associated with a specific civil engineering degree, and how much would you have to take out in loans to afford one?
• There are many costs associated with civil engineering programs, depending on the school you choose, and the delivery formats they offer. You should also consider what scholarships and loans you could qualify for, among other personal financial considerations.
• Whenever possible you should choose schools you can afford to attend. However, that’s not an option for many people, so if you need to borrow money take out loans from the government instead of borrowing money from private interests.
• Consider schools that are comparably affordable, accredited, and non-profit over more costly for-profit options.
• How much time can you commit to a civil engineering degree each day, week, and in total before graduating? Depending on the civil engineering program you choose you can enjoy a variety of delivery formats.
• These delivery options include full-time, part-time, online, on-campus, or a hybrid of online and traditional on-campus instruction. What’s best for you?
• Where do you want to live and use your civil engineering degree? Different states, cities, and industries have different demands for civil engineers.
• What is your career and educational background? How can a prospective civil engineering degree program increase your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses?
• What are the available specializations in civil engineering degrees you’re considering? How can a specialization or focus in the field help you meet and exceed your educational and career goals?

This is just a taste of what you should look at when searching for a civil engineering degree or any other discipline for that matter. While you explore, it’s beneficial to write down more questions, parameters, obstacles, and considerations that will inform your search. This way, you can set up criteria to pare down the available civil engineering options. Throughout, keep in mind, what do you want from a civil engineering program?

Now let’s look at some of the factors that make civil engineers successful. These may not all apply to you, but that’s OK. Probe your aptitudes, and how they play into civil engineering, and think about whether you can make up for the things you struggle with to determine whether civil engineering is right for you.

What Makes Successful Civil Engineers?

Many qualities make a great civil engineer, but here are some of them:

• Incredible Analysis: Civil engineers are constantly looking to solve problems, and prevent them from occurring. They need to be examining a multitude of factors that go into a project and determining where the courses they and their coworkers have chosen need correction, and where they will be successful.
• Management and Organizational Skills: Because of how much a civil engineer must try and control (can they maintain their budgets? Is their building being constructed safely? Etc.) they need excellent planning and delegation skills to keep everything running smoothly on time. Coordinating all of the moving parts of a building project is a lot easier when you’re naturally adept at managing many different aspects of a project towards an overall goal.
• Communication Skills: Knowing exactly how you want a project to play out won’t matter unless you can convey your plans to peers, those working under you, your bosses and the people financing a project.
• Flexibility: No matter how hard you plan, large or small scale civil engineering projects will hit snags. Your ability to adapt, and also compromise on your desires is essential to success in the field.
• Negotiation Skills: Of course, you don’t just want to give in to any demands that workers or bosses are making. However, patience and kindness will go a long way towards achieving your goals and keeping everyone you need to complete a project happy while you do so.
• Attention to Detail: This is one of the most important aspects of an engineer’s life. No detail is too small, especially when it can rear its head as a major problem down the road.

Let’s move on to what we’ve done at Degree Query to help you find a civil engineering degree:

How Can We Help You Find the Right Civil Engineering Degree for You?

At Degree Query we’ve worked hard to provide you with resources in your hunt for the right degree for you. We’ve ranked jobs, schools, and degree options. We’ve answered common questions about schools, degrees, jobs, and the state of higher education. We’ve also built tools like our interactive compare careers matrix, which was designed to help you find the best pathway in school for you. Some of what we’ve done that applies to civil engineering and adjacent fields includes:

Rankings

• Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science
• Top 50 Highest Paying Master’s Degrees
• 50 Best Online Degrees for 2019
• 50 Highest Paying Bachelor’s Degrees
• Top 50 Degrees For Changing The World
• Top 50 Degrees for the Future

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Degree Do You Need to Be a Civil Engineer?
• What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Engineering?
• What Can I Do With An Engineering Degree?
• What are the Fastest Schools for a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering?
• How much Science is in an Environmental Engineering Degree?
• What Is the Difference Between a Degree in Civil Engineering and a Degree in Architecture?
• What Kind of Job Can You Get With a Degree in Civil Engineering?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Civil Engineering?
• What Should You Know When You Interview for a Job With a Degree in Civil Engineering?
• What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a Degree in Civil Engineering?
• What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Civil Engineering?
• What Is the Benefit of a Civil Engineering Degree Vs an Environmental Engineering Degree?

Now let’s explore the different levels of Civil Engineering degrees:

What are the Different Levels of Civil Engineering Degrees?

Associate’s in Civil Engineering

These degrees take approximately two years to earn depending on your schedule and availability. In these programs, you’ll study the construction of public infrastructures like roads, bridges, tunnels, and systems like water and electricity. Students will likely do lab work in addition to in-class instruction. You’ll get acquainted with the latest tools and technologies used for mapping and surveying. These programs can prepare you to work as an assistant technician, inspector, or surveyor, or can assist you in your ongoing education and help you earn a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a similar discipline. These programs are often offered at community or junior colleges, which can cost less than traditional four-year programs. If you choose to transfer into a four-year program, you’ll come equipped with pertinent credits that can make your remaining undergraduate civil engineering studies much more comfortable.

Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering

Here you’ll study construction, materials, and much more. These programs are similar to their associate counterparts but far more in-depth. Topics covered include structural design, soil composition, waste management, surveying, materials science, hazardous materials, wastewater, among other areas. You’ll become exceptionally well-versed in the writing, calculus, computer-aided design, and other math skills needed in civil engineering. Generally, these programs take four years to complete, depending on your delivery format and any credits you’ve earned previously in the field. Graduates will be prepared to design systems, bridges, roads, public sanitation, dams, and other vital infrastructure. If you succeed in these programs, you’ll also be on the way to certification as a civil engineer, and can continue your education at the graduate level.

Master’s in Civil Engineering

In these programs you’ll go much further into advanced concepts and the practical skills needed to design, implement and maintain infrastructure. These degrees take approximately two years to earn, depending on your needs and schedule. They’re incredibly interdisciplinary and demand extensive practical work, often through an internship. These programs offer feature specializations students can choose to refine their education to a particular area of civil engineering (more on this later). You’ll need to hold a Bachelor’s degree to be considered for one of these programs, and many schools require that degree to be in engineering. In these degrees, you’ll study engineering decision-making, support systems, physical hydrology, linear programming, pipe systems, environmental monitoring, statistics, and much more. Graduates will be prepared to work as supervisors, team leaders, and in other administrative positions within civil engineering.

Doctorates in Civil Engineering

These are incredibly challenging, demanding degrees that require four to five years for completion. In them, you’ll gain an excellent understanding of materials, structural engineering, mechanics, physics, data analysis, and much more. These programs also allow students to select a particular aspect of civil engineering to focus on. These might include earthquake engineering, transportation, geoenvironmental engineering, water resources, computational engineering mechanics, structural engineering, and much more. Students can expect to do advanced coursework for approximately half to heir time in these programs, and then will spend the second half researching, creating, writing, and eventually defending a thesis. There are opportunities to have tuition covered through fellowships and teaching/research posts as part of being accepted into these programs. Graduates will be prepared to teach advanced civil engineering courses, do vital research in the field, and work at the highest levels at a number of agencies, companies, and other organizations that employ civil engineers.

Now that we’ve discussed the available degree levels in civil engineering let’s look into degree and career specializations in the field:

What are Your Civil Engineering Specialization Options?

Civil engineering encompasses so many different areas of infrastructure design, creation, and development. Here are some of the specific areas you could find yourself in, either through studying in a focused program or within the field itself:

Construction Management

If you think you’re a great leader and love to see projects from their infancy through completion, this could be an excellent choice for you. These civil engineers help create building projects, from their initial designs until they’re completely done. They work with all of the different groups that help build, including plumbers, financiers, architects, electricians, construction workers, and anyone else involved in bringing a construction project from a dream into reality. They need to be up to date on the latest building codes (at the federal, state, and local levels). They’re also in charge of making a project safe, which is extremely difficult while working on a deadline.

Environmental Engineer

This option is excellent for people who want to create a better world through civil engineering. Here you’ll learn to develop projects that improve environments or sustain them. You’ll study the use of alternative energies like water, wind and solar, building materials that can reduce energy expenditure, and make many other design choices that lend themselves to sustainability. For example, you might build a project with windows and panels that maximize lighting and draw solar power while cutting down on energy expenditures.

Geotechnical Engineering

In this specialization you’ll focus on the soil and rock that form the bedrock for a project. Depending on where you’re constructing you’ll need to mitigate the softness or toughness of the land you’re building on. Your work can prevent erosion, and make sure a project lasts longer than it would have without your efforts. Projects spring from the ground up, and people who understand that ground are invaluable to building successes.

Structural Engineering

This is related to geotechnical engineering, but a bit broader. Structural engineers make sure buildings, and other physical structures can support their weight, and the weight of those who go inside them. They calculate potential loads and what designs can handle in a variety of ways. They’re essential to the skeleton of buildings, and the materials used to build them.

Transportation Engineering

These civil engineers work on the infrastructure that gets people where they need to be. Their work can include subways, roads, bridges, rails, and anything else necessary for the transportation of people and goods. The significant factors they consider are the capacity to carry people while making sure they’re safe. Our society depends on reliable, convenient, safe, and sustainable travel, and will continue to in the foreseeable future. If you were obsessed with trains as a kid, this might be the right fit for you.

Water Resources Engineering

We depend on safe water to live. But even as our societies and infrastructures have developed exponentially, there are constant obstacles to people receiving clean, consistent water. Water resources engineers build and maintain the infrastructure that delivers people the water they need to live.

As you can see, these are all fundamental aspects of civil engineering that will always have high needs for competent professionals.

Now that we’ve explored the degree and career options in civil engineering we’re almost through our guide. Before we go though, let’s look at what you can expect to earn as a civil engineer to support yourself and your family:

Civil Engineering Degrees in Conclusion

Let’s take a quick look at what civil engineers are likely to earn in the field:

In 2018 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found civil engineers made a median pay of $86,640 a year, or $41.65 per hour.

BLS wrote that in 2016 there were 303,500 of these positions, which they predicted would grow by 11% between 2016-26, translating to 32,200 new jobs.

They also found that in May 2018 the lowest 10% of civil engineers earned less than $54,780, while they top 10% earned over $142,560. Areas associated with higher pay included government positions and engineering services positions.

We hope you’ve found this guide illuminating and extremely useful. If you find a school through our content that feels like a good fit, it’s useful to email their support staff directly to request more information about it.

Good luck!

The post What Can I Do With a Civil Engineering Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

There are numerous types of engineering careers, each of which has its own distinct earning potential and path to the career. Our list below presents the 10 most lucrative engineering jobs.

Preparing for the Best Engineering Jobs

If you have your eye on an engineering career, you need at least a bachelor’s degree. Some engineers have a master’s degree. Graduate education is more common in some engineering jobs than others, so whether you should enroll in a master’s degree program depends on the specific career in engineering you are most interested in.

Engineering students need a strong background in math and the sciences. Often, engineering majors have to take classes in science disciplines like physics, biology and chemistry and math classes like linear algebra, differential equations and calculus, as well as engineering principles.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Engineering Technology?

The Highest Paying Engineering Jobs, Ranked

1. Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineer is the highest paying engineering job. For 2021, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual salary of $130,850 for petroleum engineers. The best-paying of the top employing industries for this career, management of companies and enterprises, paid a median wage of $165,480. Even the lowest-paying top employment industry, support activities for mining, still paid a median wage of $123,820.

The highest-earning 10 percent of petroleum engineers made more than $208,000 per year in 2021, while the lowest-earning 10 percent of the occupation reported salaries below $78,390, the BLS reported.

What Do Petroleum Engineers Do?

The primary concern of petroleum engineers is extracting fuel resources from oil and gas deposits beneath the Earth’s surface. More specifically, a petroleum engineer might devise the plan for extracting these resources from oil and gas deposits, design the machines and equipment used to perform this work and evaluate the effectiveness of extraction efforts. Some of the industries that employ petroleum engineers include the oil and gas extraction industry, support activities for mining, petroleum and coal products manufacturing and engineering services.

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Coursework in Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum engineering is closely linked to the topics of energy production and the environment, so many petroleum engineering programs include at least one class that touches upon these topics. Some of the coursework involved in a petroleum engineering program is somewhat general, including studies of engineering mechanics, such as statics and the mechanics of solids. Thermodynamics and phase behavior, especially as they pertain to petroleum fluids, are also relevant, as are petrophysics and the properties of petroleum fluids.

Petroleum engineering programs typically include some coursework in the geological sciences, including the foundations of geology and of sedimentary rocks, as well as classes in geostatistics. Prospective petroleum engineers will also learn about rock formation evaluation, resource economics and valuation in the petroleum industry, reservoir engineering, reservoir geomechanics, drilling and well completions and petroleum engineering production technology and design. Aspiring petroleum engineers should expect to study the design and analysis of geosystems, transport phenomena in geosystems and the formulation and solution of problems that arise in geosystems engineering.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs with a Degree in Petroleum Engineering?

2. Aerospace Engineer

Another of the highest-paid engineering jobs is aerospace engineer. For aerospace engineers, the BLS reported a median salary of $122,270 in 2021. The lowest-paid aerospace engineering professionals reported annual earnings below $77,440, while the highest-paid professionals in this field made more than $168,370 in a year. The top-employing industry for aerospace engineering careers, aerospace product and parts manufacturing, paid a median wage of $126,780 to the 33% of aerospace engineers it employed.

The 8% of aerospace engineers working in research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences industry enjoyed the highest wages, with a median salary of $128,020. Of the top employment industries for aerospace engineers, engineering services, which amounted to 18 percent of the workforce, paid the least. However, the median salary in this industry, $120,640, was still well into the six-figure range.

What Does an Aerospace Engineer Do?

Aerospace engineers design and develop solutions that pertain to aircraft and spacecraft. In general, aerospace engineering encompasses everything from the structural design of airplanes and spaceships themselves to the propulsion systems, navigation controls, instrumentation, communications systems and other components that make these vessels work. Often, an aerospace engineer will specialize in one area of expertise.

Besides coming up with designs, aerospace engineers are responsible for ensuring that their designs meet product quality standards. Quality is particularly important in this field, because a malfunction can be devastating if it occurs on a commercial jet filled with people 35,000 feet in the air or on a manned spaceship in outer space, too far away to wait for outside help. Aerospace engineers can determine whether a design or product meets quality standards by running tests, such as computer simulations and hands-on examinations and tests of prototypes.

Careers in aerospace engineering can be further broken down into two categories. Aeronautical engineers deal with aircraft and vessels intended to stay within the Earth’s atmosphere, while astronautical engineers are concerned with spacecraft and other craft that are meant to perform both within and outside the Earth’s atmosphere (in other words, in space).

Coursework in Aerospace Engineering

Some of the coursework involved in a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in aerospace engineering is, literally, rocket science. Dynamics, or mechanics as they pertain to motion and force, is a major area of concern for aerospace engineers. Aerospace engineering students often study spacecraft aerodynamics, low-speed aerodynamics and flight dynamics. Additionally, propulsion and compressible flow are common topics of study in this engineering degree program.

Majoring in aerospace engineering also requires learning about the different systems used in aircraft and spacecraft, including electromechanical systems, feedback control systems and linear systems. Aerospace engineering students must also become familiar with the properties and performance of aerospace materials.

3. Computer Engineer

Computer engineering can be said to encompass two major types of careers, both of which rank among the highest-paying engineering jobs. Computer hardware engineer is the job most commonly associated with the field of computer engineering, but the work of software engineers also revolves around computer systems and computer technology.

For computer hardware engineers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median salary of $128,170 in 2021. Software engineers in roles like software developers earned a median wage of $110,140.

What Do Computer Engineers Do?

Computer engineers are a type of electrical engineers that focus on the electrical equipment used in computer systems. A computer hardware engineer is a computer engineering professional who primarily develops the physical components for computers. The types of components that a computer hardware engineer may work on include circuit boards, memory devices and microprocessors.

Software engineering revolves around designing and developing software programs and applications. Software engineers are generally more involved in conceptualizing programs and applications to be developed with computer programming languages than with putting together physical computer components. However, like computer hardware engineers, software engineers focus more on high-level design and development of solutions to complex problems. Software engineers don’t just write computer code. Rather, software engineering is about creating detailed plans for how a software application should function. 

Coursework in Computer Engineering

The coursework that computer engineers need depends on whether they want to design hardware or software. Hardware engineers, as a specialized subset of electrical engineers, focus more on electrical and electronic circuits for computer systems. Software engineering is the engineering career at the intersection between engineering design and computer science, so software engineers should expect to study computer science and develop advanced skills in programming. Of course, software engineers must also learn the principles of engineering design. Computer engineering coursework can also prepare students for roles such as computer and information research scientists.

4. Nuclear Engineer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median salary of $120,380 for nuclear engineers in 2021. Earnings in excess of $169,000 per year characterize the top 10% of earners in this occupation, while the lowest-paid 10% of nuclear engineers reported an annual income below $75,460.

The federal government, which is the largest employer in the field of nuclear engineering and accounts for 18 percent of the workforce, is also the lowest paying of these top employment industries. The median annual salary for nuclear engineering professionals in this industry just exceeded the six-figure mark, at $100,650. Nuclear engineers working in the scientific research and development services industry – about 15 percent of the profession – reported the highest median salary, $151,980.

What Does a Nuclear Engineer Do?

Nuclear engineers are the professionals behind the development and production of nuclear energy and nuclear radiation. As such, nuclear engineers play a big part in energy production. They are also responsible for medical uses of radiation, including diagnostic imaging tests that use radiation to visualize the inside of the body and radiation-based treatments for conditions like cancer.

Unfortunately, the current job outlook for nuclear engineering professionals is discouraging. From 2020 through 2030, the BLS expects jobs in this field to decline by 8%, compared to the 8% increase predicted for all jobs as a whole and the 7% increase predicted for engineering careers in general. If you want to work in this career field, you should be prepared for a competitive job market.

Coursework in Nuclear Engineering

Coursework in this degree program often begins with an overview of the principles of nuclear engineering. Specialized coursework in this major includes nuclear reactor theory and design, nuclear plant systems, nuclear engineering systems design, experiments in nuclear engineering and the materials for nuclear energy applications.

Nuclear engineering is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that draws from more than one of the major disciplines of the field. As such, students should expect to study the principles of electrical engineering, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, statics and particle dynamics and electricity and magnetism.

5. Chemical Engineer

Another of the six-figure engineering careers is chemical engineer. For chemical engineers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2021 median salary of $105,550. The 10% of chemical engineers who make the most money reported earning upwards of $187,430 per year, while the 10% of the chemical engineer occupation that earned the least brought in less than $62,730.

Industry of employment makes a big impact on the earning potential of chemical engineers. For chemical engineer careers in the engineering services industry, which make up 10% of the chemical engineering workforce, the BLS reported a median salary of $152,430. Chemical engineer roles in engineering firms are some of the highest-paying engineering jobs. The pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry, which employs 3% of the occupation, is the lowest-paying top employment industry for chemical engineers. Professionals working in this industry reported earning $96,220 annually in 2021.

What Do Chemical Engineers Do?

A chemical engineer is an engineering professional who uses the principles and practices of chemistry and other life and natural sciences to design solutions that range from the development of new chemicals to processes and equipment used in chemical production. Chemicals are a part of many facets of life, which means that chemical engineers play a role in products ranging from food, medicine and clothing to fuel, energy production and electronics.

Coursework for Chemical Engineers

As you might expect, an aspiring chemical engineer needs a strong background in chemistry and should expect to take laboratory courses in physical chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical practice and a more advanced level of principles of chemistry than other students typically take.

Specialized coursework for aspiring chemical engineers includes chemical engineering materials, the design and operations of the chemical engineering process, chemical engineering analysis, biochemical engineering, separation processes and mass transfer and transport processes. Additionally, students should study the design and analysis of chemical reactors.

6. Electrical Engineer

For electrical and electronics engineers, the BLS reported a median salary of $101,780 in 2021. The BLS further distinguishes between the job titles of electrical engineer and electronics engineer. According to the BLS, electronics engineers earn slightly more than electrical engineers – $104,820 compared to $100,420 in 2021. Among electronics engineers, the best-paid 10% earned more than $166,890, and the lowest-paid 10% made less than $73,630. Electrical engineers in the 90th percentile reported earnings of more than $162,930, while an electrical engineer in the 10th percentile would make less than $62,360 per year.

The highest-paying industry for electronics engineers is the navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments manufacturing industry, for which the median salary was $128,560. The lowest-paying top employment industry in this field, telecommunications, paid a median annual salary of $100,290.

For electrical engineers, the highest-paying engineering jobs are in research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences industry. Electrical engineering professionals in this industry reported earning a median salary was $125,080. The lowest-paying top employment industry for electrical engineers, the engineering services industry, paid a median wage of $99,330. An electrical engineer or electronics engineer can expect earnings that approach, if not exceed, the six-figure range as they advance their career over the course of their work lifetime.

What Do Electrical Engineers Do?

Electrical systems and electronic equipment are the main areas of focus for electrical and electronics engineers, respectively. Both areas pertain to electricity in some way, but an electrical engineer is generally more concerned with the generation and distribution of electrical power on a larger scale, and electronics engineers typically focus more narrowly on electronic devices and equipment.

In either case, designing and developing products, equipment or processes used for an electrical system or electronic device, such as navigation systems, is the main job duty of engineers in these related areas of electrical engineering and electronics engineering.

Coursework in Electrical Engineering

Students majoring in electrical engineering should expect to take coursework in the foundations and design of electric circuits, electronic devices and the fundamentals of power and energy. Studies in digital logic design and design with microcontrollers are also common requirements in electrical engineering bachelor’s degree programs. Electrical engineering students should learn about electromagnetics in computing and wireless systems and about continuous and discrete signals and systems.

Gaining hands-on experience designing electrical circuits and systems is important for an aspiring electrical engineer. A bachelor’s degree in this area of study should include design studio coursework, internship or co-op opportunities or a senior project that facilitates the acquisition of hands-on electrical engineering work experience.

7. Biomedical Engineer

The median salary the BLS reported for bioengineers and biomedical engineers in 2021 was $97,410. A six-figure salary is well within the realm of possibility for biomedical engineers. The average salary for biomedical engineers and bioengineers, according to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $101,020 as of 2021.

Although the lowest-paid 10% of workers in the biomedical and bioengineering field reported making less than $60,680 per year, the highest-paid 10% of the field earned upwards of $154,750.

The 8% of bioengineers working in navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments manufacturing enjoyed the highest median salary of all top employment industries, at $108,690. Bioengineers working for colleges and universities earned the least, with a median wage of $62,650.

RELATED: What Degree Do You Need to Be a Biomedical Engineer?

What Do Biomedical Engineers Do?

A biomedical engineer is an engineer who designs and develops solutions based on or with applications in medical science. For most biomedical engineers, a passion for helping people and making a difference is what attracts them to this career that U.S. News & World Report had ranked as one of the best STEM jobs. Through their work in engineering design, most biomedical engineers create medical devices, equipment and processes that can be used to help diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Biomedical engineering isn’t just one of the highest paying engineering jobs but also one of the newer fields of engineering. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that the first college biomedical engineering departments were established, according to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). Despite the relative recency of the field’s development, biomedical engineers have accomplished a great deal in a short time.

Coursework in Biomedical Engineering

To innovate and engineer solutions to biomedical problems, biomedical engineers first need to know a great deal about the body and biological systems. This means studying cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, membrane physiology and the physiological systems of the body.

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

Coursework in biomechanics, vascular mechanics and biotransport and kinetics also helps biomedical engineering students build a foundation for the work of engineering medical solutions. Specialized areas of study in this field may include medical device design, biomedical signals and imaging, biomaterials, biomedical computation, bioimaging, tissue engineering and immunoengineering.

8. Geological Engineer

The median salary for mining and geological engineers in 2021 was $97,090, the BLS reported. The highest earners in this career field made more than $162,720, while the lowest earners reported making less than $48,690.

Even the lowest-paying of the top employment industries for geological engineering professionals, metal ore mining, paid a median annual salary of $95,300. Geological engineers working in the oil and gas extraction industry enjoyed a median salary of $131,020.

What Do Geological Engineers Do?

Geological engineers locate mineral deposits below the surface of the Earth and plan for the extraction of these resources. Geological engineers design different kinds of mines and procedures for transporting and processing extracted resources.

Coursework in Geological Engineering

Courses in geological sciences – including structural geology, mineralogy, crystallography, stratigraphy and sedimentation, igneous and metamorphic petrology and rock mechanics – is essential for those seeking a career in geological engineering. Students also need a thorough understanding of fluid mechanics, metallurgical thermodynamics, engineering geophysics, geographic information systems (GIS) and computer-aided design.

Through their coursework, students of geological engineering should develop skills and knowledge pertaining to geotechnical engineering, petroleum drilling and production engineering and engineering for environmental geology. Gaining practical experience through geological engineering fieldwork and hands-on design projects is particularly valuable for students who want to enter this career.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs with a Degree in Mining and Geological Engineering?

9. Mechanical Engineer

In 2021, the median salary for mechanical engineers was $95,300, according to the BLS. The mechanical engineers with the highest salaries reported earning upwards of $136,210, but those with the lowest salaries made less than $60,750.

The scientific research and development services industry paid mechanical engineers the best, with a median salary of $102,050, while the machinery manufacturing industry paid a median wage of just $79,770.

What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?

Mechanical engineering is a broad discipline that encompasses any engineering application that involves movement and motion. While mechanical engineering work encompasses machines like robots, automotive engines and power grids, it can also include biomedical applications that pertain to the movement of the human body. Because they work in so many areas and industries, mechanical engineers develop solutions for a wide range of problems.

Coursework in Mechanical Engineering

The most important topics of study in a mechanical engineering program include computer-aided design software and techniques, the properties of materials, thermodynamics and the process of heat transfer and energy conversion, static and dynamic systems and the mechanics of matter – both fluids and solids. By the time they graduate, mechanical engineering students should know the fundamentals of machine theory and engineering design, and they often have an opportunity to concentrate on certain areas, like robotics or automotive vehicles, in their elective courses.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Mechanical Engineering?

10. Civil Engineer

Civil engineering is one of the major engineering disciplines, but it encompasses other types of engineering job roles, including environmental engineer. The median salary for civil engineers in 2021 was $88,050, while environmental engineers specifically earned a median salary of $96,820 – making environmental engineers some of the highest-paid workers in the engineering industry.

What Do Civil Engineers Do?

Civil engineers design and implement infrastructure projects that range from roads and bridges to buildings.

The subdiscipline of environmental engineering focuses on engineering design work used to solve environmental problems. Example areas of focus for environmental engineers include the development of renewable energy systems and waste disposal systems.

Coursework in Civil Engineering

Studies in civil engineering include courses in statics and dynamics, structural engineering and structural analysis, construction materials and structural material behavior, soil mechanics and hydraulics.

RELATED: What Civil Engineering Courses Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Civil Engineering?

Environmental engineering may be a concentration within civil engineering or its own distinct degree program. In either case, coursework for aspiring environmental engineers emphasizes sustainability. Aspiring environmental engineers also study the chemical principles and microbial principles in environmental engineering work. Environmental engineer degree programs include coursework in environmental science topics, such as soil science, and in environmental regulations. Environmental engineers often start their careers off by gaining experience through an internship, co-op experience or field practicum.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Civil Engineering?

Other Types of Engineering Occupations

These aren’t the only engineering careers out there. Other engineering jobs to consider include agricultural engineer, materials engineer and industrial engineer.

Agricultural engineer, as the job title suggests, is a field of engineering devoted to problem-solving in farming and agriculture. Agricultural engineers may develop new products, processes and procedures for cultivating, harvesting, storing and processing produce and other types of agricultural products. Although the BLS predicted a slower than average rate of job growth for agricultural engineers between 2020 and 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported for this occupation a median salary of $82,640 per year in 2021 – not too shabby, considering this isn’t even one of the 10 highest-paying engineering jobs.

Materials engineers research the properties and uses of raw materials and existing combinations of materials for application in all engineering fields. Materials engineers combine existing materials into new substances that can be used to solve problems in medicine, construction, computer technology and even sports. In addition to studying materials themselves, a materials engineer may also develop methods of processing and testing materials more efficiently and with less waste of time, product, energy or expense. The BLS reported that materials engineers earned a median wage of $98,300 per year as of 2021, but the material engineer profession is considerably smaller than many other engineering occupations. There were only 25,100 materials engineers working in America as of 2020. Although materials engineers can look forward to an 8% job growth rate, that amount of growth would yield only 2,100 new jobs for materials engineers over the course of a decade.

Industrial engineering, which focuses on the efficiency of industrial processes and manufacturing processes, was one of the most in-demand engineering jobs as of 2020. The BLS predicted a much faster than average job growth rate of 14% for industrial engineers between 2020 and 2030. Industrial engineers focus on improving efficiency in production processes and manufacturing processes. For industrial engineers, the BLS reported an average salary of $95,520 in 2021.

Management Careers in Engineering

If you want to move up from any of these engineering jobs, you might work toward another of the highest-paying engineering jobs, engineering manager. If you’re making a determination based solely on earning potential, engineering manager is one of the best engineering career options.

Engineering managers are tasked with project management duties as well as supervisory duties. The median annual salary for engineering managers in 2020 was $152,350.

Talented engineers are needed for management roles in every field of engineering. Often, aspiring engineering managers prepare for this career path by pursuing a master’s degree. However, a master’s degree is not strictly required for aspiring engineering managers, because candidates may advance to this role with only a bachelor’s degree.

Master’s degree programs in engineering management focus on skills in leadership and administration – precisely the skills engineering managers most need. You are also likely to need several years of work experience to become an engineering manager. In some engineering disciplines, licensed Professional Engineers will have the best prospects for engineer manager jobs.

What Are the Best Engineering Careers?

Our ranking of the highest paying engineering jobs focuses on just one aspect of the different types of engineering careers: earning potential, based on median pay rates. Your ability to earn a comfortable or even lucrative living is one important factor in choosing the best career for you, but average salary potential shouldn’t be your only consideration when choosing between different types of engineering fields.

In fact, engineering jobs as a whole report average salaries that are well above the national average salary. For all architecture and engineering jobs, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $79,840. For all occupations in all types of careers across the United States, the BLS reported an average salary of $58,260 in 2021. That national average salary translates to $28.01 per hour.

While some engineering jobs pay more than others, all of them offer significant earning potential and the opportunity to use your knowledge and skills for real-world innovation, not just academic and theoretical contemplations. High salaries don’t always correlate with high job satisfaction, although having an earning potential that exceeds the national average salary certainly doesn’t hurt job satisfaction rates.

As you’re exploring options for a career in engineering, think about the types of technical skills you would enjoy using on a regular basis and the types of problems you’re most eager to solve. Do you prefer the hands-on work of building circuits out of physical materials or the conceptualization of software programs constructed out of computer coding? Are you more interested in climate change and other environmental issues or in tackling public health issues? Would you prefer to assemble computer hardware, test drug therapies, build aircraft and vessels for space exploration, find safe methods of using and securing useful yet dangerous chemicals or planning construction projects?

There’s no one right answer to any of these questions. Fortunately, the 10 highest paying engineering careers include a variety of areas of focus, each of which requires its own set of technical skills.

Demand for Different Types of Engineering Jobs

What else should you consider when choosing the best engineering career for you? Looking at the job market and job growth rates, as predicted by the BLS, is a wise idea. Although the demand for jobs in any industry and discipline can shift over time, it can be helpful to know going into your career preparation whether the projected rate of job growth for your profession over the next few years is characterized as an average, above-average or below-average rate.

RELATED: What Are the Fastest Growing Engineering Jobs?

Even if knowing the job growth rate for your intended occupation doesn’t change your big-picture career plans, this information can inform how you go about your job search and career advancement efforts. If you’re entering one of the engineering fields that is seeing less job growth, you may have to be less selective when it comes to applying for entry-level jobs. It might make more sense for workers in these engineering fields to pursue a master’s degree or get licensed as Professional Engineers when they’re working toward career advancement, so that they can stand out from the competition – most of whom are likely to have only a bachelor’s degree.

The most in-demand engineering jobs in 2020 were growing at above-average rates, and the job outlook for many engineering roles was consistent with the average growth rate. However, some engineering roles – like nuclear engineer – were expected to see a significant decline in job opportunities from 2020 through 2030.

Your Personal and Professional Interests

Full-time workers can expect to devote a third of their life (on workdays) to their jobs. Since there are few activities you will spend more time doing over the course of your life than working, you might as well choose an occupation that you can get excited about.

RELATED: Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math

Engineers in all disciplines draw from the same general subjects: mathematics and the natural and physical sciences. Engineers working in many industries perform many of the same basic tasks, as well. For example, they design new products and processes, prepare technical reports that express the engineering specifications for their designs, run computer simulations and work closely with others involved in the project, from stakeholders to technicians. However, the technical work that different kinds of engineers do on a daily basis can be very different depending on the field of engineering they pursue.

RELATED: What Industries Have the Greatest Demand for a Degree in Engineering?

Do you want to develop building plans, put together electrical circuit boards, mix up chemical solutions, assemble machines or plan the development of software programs? Would you prefer to take on the task of solving environmental problems, or do you have no qualms about working in the petroleum and mining industries? (These goals, by the way, aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive, since petroleum engineers and mining and geological engineers often strive to improve the effectiveness of this work and to mitigate the harm it does to the environment.) Engineers are creating the future, so aspiring engineers choosing their path should consider both the big-picture matter of what kind of future they want to create and the smaller details of what an average day of work will look like.

Related Resources:

Highest Paying Degrees in Engineering – Majors & Careers

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Mechanical Engineering?

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Civil Engineering?

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Engineering Technology?

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

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

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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!

The post What Can I Do With a Chemistry Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

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

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

RELATED: Easiest Online Associate’s Degrees

1. Associate of Science in Construction Project Management

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

Where to Earn a Construction Management Associate Degree Fas

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

2. Social Science 

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

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

Where to Earn a Social Science Associate Degree Fast

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

3. Associate Degree in Business Administration

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Earn a Business Administration Associate Degree Fast

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

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

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

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

4. Associate of Arts in General Education or Liberal Arts

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

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

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

RELATED: The 20 Easiest Bachelor’s Degree Online Options

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

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

Where to Earn a Liberal Arts Associate Degree Fast

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

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

5. Associate’s in Nursing

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

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

Where to Earn a Nursing Associate Degree Fast

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

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

6. Associate of Science in Health Information Technology

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

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

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

Where to Earn a Health Information Technology Associate Degree Fast

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

7. Associate of Arts in Accounting

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

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

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

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

Where to Earn an Accounting Associate Degree Fast

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

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

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

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

Where to Earn an Information Technology Associate Degree Fast

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

• Computer and digital forensics 

• Computer applications integration specialist

• Computer maintenance and networking 

The community college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

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

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

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

9. Associate of Science in Marketing

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

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

Where to Earn a Marketing Associate Degree Fast

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

10. Associate of Arts in Psychology

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

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

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

Where to Earn a Psychology Associate Degree Fast

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

11. Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

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

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

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

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

Where to Earn a Criminal Justice Associate Degree Fast

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

12. Associate Degree in Web Programming

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

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

Where to Earn a Web Programming Associate Degree Fast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Earn a Medical Office Management Associate Degree Fast

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

14. Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education

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

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

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

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

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

15. Associate of Arts in Graphic Design

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

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

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

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

16. Associate’s in Human Resources

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

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

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

17. Human Services Associate Degree

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

Studying human services will prepare you for roles like:

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

18. Associate of Science in Software Application Development

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

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

RELATED: Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

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

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

Where to Earn a Software Development Associate Degree Fast

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

19. Associate of Science in Engineering Technology

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

Where to Earn an Engineering Technology Associate Degree Fast

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

20. Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

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

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

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

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

Where to Earn a Paralegal Studies Associate Degree Fast

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

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

21. Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Services

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

Where to Earn a Medical Assisting Associate Degree Fast

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

22. Associate of Applied Science in Addiction Counseling

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

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

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

Where to Earn a Design Studies Associate Degree Fast

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

23. Associate of Arts in Healthcare Management

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

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

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

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

Where to Earn a Healthcare Management Associate Degree Fast

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

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

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

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

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

Associate degree programs in this field typically include coursework in:

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

Where to Earn an Insurance Billing and Coding Associate Degree Fast

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

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

25. Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science

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

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

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

Where to Earn a Fire Science Associate Degree Fast

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

RELATED: 50 Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs

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

Our Fast Degree Series

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

Related Resources: 

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

50 Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs

How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree?

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

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

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

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

1. School Principal

If you enjoy teaching but also have great management skills outside the classroom, school principle – the highest paying education career – might be an excellent career for you. Principals work in schools large and small at the elementary, middle and high school levels. School principals at any level can have numerous responsibilities. They must make sure the school meets academic, performance, budgetary, security and technology goals as well as government requirements.

They set class and school maintenance schedules, supervise and assess teacher performance, help create curricula, make sure the school stays under budget, attain supplies and comply with district, state or federal regulations. Principals still meet directly with students, but they often do so for the purpose of addressing problem behavior. They may also work with teachers, support staff members and parents to address students’ behavioral problems.

Additionally, school principals have some important responsibilities beyond the day-to-day school operations. They serve as the point of contact between the school and the public. With school safety a major concern across the nation, these education professionals are responsible for creating and coordinating safety procedures. They may play a role in the hiring process and set up professional development experiences for teachers and staff members. School principals receive student achievement data, like standardized test scores, to evaluate and use as the basis of school performance reports. They also manage counseling, special education and childcare programs, if the school offers these programs. Some principals have help from assistant principals, instructional coordinators and other support staff, while other school principals take on all of these responsibilities on their own.

Principals start out their careers in the classroom. They usually have at least five years – and often, a lot more – of teaching experience. To become a principal, candidates must also earn a master’s degree in either education administration or education leadership. One such program will prepare candidates for responsibilities like managing school staff members, setting and following budgets, planning to achieve goals and interfacing with parents and community members.

Median Salary: $87,760

Education: Master’s Degree in Education Leadership or Education Administration

2. Postsecondary Teachers

Not every teacher works with children. If your passion lies in educating adults, a career in postsecondary education could be a great choice for you. These educators, often called professors or instructors, work at two-year and four-year colleges, universities, business schools, technical and trade schools, hospitals and other career training institutions. While postsecondary teachers do teach in the classroom, laboratory or lecture hall, they also often conduct their own research in their subject area.

Subject area is important for postsecondary teachers – much more so than for elementary school teachers, for example. These educators develop expertise in their field through many years of schooling not just at the undergraduate level, but at the master’s or Ph.D. level. They learn and contribute to the field through their own research work, thesis or dissertation. Postsecondary teachers, particularly those who work full-time at major universities, continue their research work and publish their findings scholarly journal articles and books even as they teach classes in their subject area. As teachers, of course, they juggle the responsibilities of devising lesson plans, syllabi, assignments and exams and grading student work. Professors may advise students in their programs on topics like courses to take and academic and career paths to pursue.  Some postsecondary teachers supervise students in graduate programs as they complete work for their thesis or dissertation.

Earning an advanced degree is only one part of the process of becoming a college professor. Full-time professors often attain a good deal of experience in their subject area, either conducting research, working in the field, teaching at the college level or through some combination of these experiences. Many postsecondary teachers begin a career in academics as adjunct professors, which means they teach part-time. It’s not uncommon for adjunct professors to teach part-time at multiple schools or while working in another role while they cultivate the experience necessary to attain a full-time position.

Median Salary: $68,970

Education: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in their subject area

3. Instructional Coordinators

If you’re as interested in what and how students are learning as you are in the act of teaching, then a role as an instructional coordinator might be your ultimate career goal. These education professionals, who typically have years of experience as teachers themselves, focus primarily on developing and coordinating curricula, instructional materials and teaching standards. They choose textbooks and other course materials that align with educational goals and curricula. Instructional coordinators also suggest what technologies and teaching methods teachers should use in the classroom.

A big part of what instructional coordinators do is working with the instructors. These professionals set up and oversee teacher training, including workshops and conferences. Instructional coordinators create the curriculum and the processes teachers use to implement it. They evaluate teachers and serve as mentors in helping them attain new skills and improve existing ones. To determine the effectiveness of curricula, procedures, materials, technology and teaching methods, instructional coordinators evaluate students’ performance on tests.

Instructional coordinators go by many names, including instructional coaches, assistant superintendents of instruction and curriculum specialists. Some may work exclusively on developing, implementing and assessing curricula for particular grades or subject areas.

The position of instructional coordinator is no entry-level job. First, candidates must attain plenty of experience teaching, which requires earning an undergraduate degree in education (and possibly a subject area) and a teaching license. After they have the experience to advance into an instructional coordinator role, candidates must earn a graduate degree in education or curriculum and instruction. In these master’s programs, aspiring instructional coordinators will study teaching theory, curriculum design and how to analyze student performance data. Some programs allow students to delve into an area of focus, like a specific level of education.

Median Salary: $60,050

Education: Master’s Degree in Education or Curriculum and Instruction

4. Librarians

Education doesn’t always take place in the classroom. If you want to help people of all ages and education levels learn and do research for school, work and personal purposes, consider a role as a librarian. More than half of all librarians work in schools of some type, from the elementary to college level at both public and private institutions. More than one-quarter find employment in public libraries. Others work in specialized settings, like corporate libraries, government libraries, medical libraries and law libraries. Some librarians, particularly those who work in very large libraries, specialize in one main responsibility, like helping patrons or doing administrative work.

Work as a librarian is all about helping people locate the information they’re looking for. This means interacting with library patrons – such as students, professionals and community members – to answer questions and guide research efforts. Librarians organize materials and carefully maintain collections and the databases that provide information about those materials. They acquire new books, materials, equipment and technology. To stay under budget, they have to choose materials carefully, researching books and considering information like reviews and catalog blurbs.

Librarians may also be responsible for teaching informal classes on research and locating resources and for planning events and educational programs for library visitors. Some librarians in leadership roles train and oversee library employees, including assistants and technicians.

An advanced education is essential for a career as a librarian. While there’s no one undergraduate program that’s the right choice to prepare candidates for the career, the Master of Library Science, or MLS, degree is a standard qualification employers seek in candidates for librarian positions. Earning this degree typically takes one to two years of additional study beyond the undergraduate level and covers subjects like online and offline research methods, library materials selection, information organization and how to use online reference systems. Candidates for librarian roles in specialized libraries may need a degree in the field in which they specialize – like law, medicine or business – as well as library science. Librarians may need to attain certification to work in schools or to work at all in some states.

Median Salary: $55,370

Education: Master of Library Science, Master of Information Studies or Master of Library and Information Studies

5. Special Education Teachers

Some students need extra help. Special education teachers are the educators who instruct students who have mental, physical, emotional and learning disabilities that make it difficult for them to learn and succeed in a more traditional learning environment. Some students need help learning basic life skills, while others require general study help, and still others need assistance in particular subject areas where they may struggle.

Special education teachers often work one-on-one with students, creating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each student that outline goals and the services available to help the student meet those goals. For students with mild to moderate disabilities, these plans might include how to adapt standard course materials and lessons to help the student more successfully grasp the material. The curriculum itself might be similar to that of general education classes in the same grade, but the use of different teaching techniques and requirements helps students with disabilities absorb and process the information. Special education teachers also teach basic skills in literacy and communication to students who suffer from severe disabilities. Throughout the school year, special education teachers are responsible for updating IEPs to report progress and performance toward these goals.

Special education teachers also work with small groups of students, as well as overseeing the class as a whole. Sometimes they have help from classroom teacher assistants, while some special education students also have their own aides. Special education teachers often work closely with school counselors, general education teachers, their students’ parents and even school superintendents to help students succeed to the best of their abilities. Special education teachers find work in all grade levels, from elementary to high school. Some work in inclusive classrooms that mix general education and special education students, teaching in conjunction with general education teachers. Others work in resource rooms or in classrooms exclusively for special education students who need individual attention. Special education teachers may work with students who have a specific type of disability, like blindness or deafness, or they may work with students who have a variety of different disabilities that may affect their education in different ways.

A bachelor’s degree in education is essential for a career as a special education teacher. Probably the best preparation for this career is an undergraduate program in special education specifically. These programs delve in-depth into subjects valuable for success, like the various kinds of disabilities special education teachers may encounter and how to teach material in ways that students with these disabilities can understand. However, some special education teachers start the career with a background in elementary education, with or without studying a content area. In some states, special education teachers must attain a master’s degree in special education. Any education program should require college students to gain work experience in the form of supervised student teaching. After graduating, aspiring special education teachers must attain a license or certification from the state in which they intend to teach.

Median Salary: $55,060

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Elementary Education or Content Area

6. High School Teacher

By high school, students should know the basics of subjects like reading, writing, mathematics and social studies. High school teachers impart more advanced knowledge and lessons to students. They prepare students in the ninth through 12^th grades for life after graduation, whether that means college, technical school or a transition right into the workforce. High school teachers typically concentrate on a single general subject area, like science, math, history or English, but they may teach a variety of classes within the subject during the day. They teach courses at different grade levels and difficulty levels, including advanced and college preparatory classes.

Like teachers at other grade levels, high school teachers develop and implement lesson plans. They cover material through in-class lectures, discussions and activities and assign homework, papers and projects. High school teachers grade assignments to assess students’ performance and their understanding of the course material. While high school teachers manage entire classes of students, they also work with kids in small groups and individually to enhance their strengths and improve their weaknesses. They must prepare their students to pass standardized tests, cultivate a solid educational background in subjects that they will pursue further in college, and develop the skills to succeed in the real world. High school teachers may discuss progress and academic performance with their students’ parents. Many high school teachers choose to get involved in extracurricular activities, like school clubs and sports.

Because high school teachers instruct students in a specific subject area, it’s important for them to have an education in that subject area themselves. An aspiring science teacher might choose to major in biology, chemistry or physics. A bachelor’s degree in history would be appropriate for an aspiring high school social studies teacher, while majoring in mathematics would prepare a candidate for a high school math teacher role. Aspiring high school teachers should also study education or teacher preparation during their college career to learn about child and adolescent psychology and ways to successfully instruct students. This may mean they will have to double major in education and the content area of their choice. During their college career, they will participate in student teaching opportunities to gain work experience. After graduation, aspiring high school teachers will need to earn either a high school or secondary certification or license in the state where they intend to teach.

Median Salary: $55,050

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Content Area

7. Middle School Teacher

Bridging the gap between the basics of elementary education and the advanced concepts and preparation for adulthood of elementary school is middle school, typically considered grades six through eight. Like high school teachers, many middle school teachers focus on teaching just one or two subject areas, like math, science, English or social studies to several classes of students each day. They have the sometimes challenging job of expanding the fundamental knowledge and skills students learned in each subject during elementary school so they will be able to grasp more complex concepts and succeed in the more academically rigorous environment of high school. They must also get students ready for success on standardized tests.

Middle school teachers develop lessons, assignments and classroom activities to convey course material. They administer quizzes that test students’ knowledge and grade participation, classwork, homework, projects and exams. Sometimes middle school teachers assign group work and facilitate teamwork within small groups. At times, they may work with students individually to help them if they are struggling with the course material or to challenge them to reach their full potential. In the classroom, middle school teachers establish and implement rules for behavior. Outside the classroom, they may be responsible for supervising students in the hallways, the cafeteria, the gymnasium, the playground or even during school field trips.

During the course of their careers, middle school teachers work with many other adults to help the children they teach succeed. They hold conferences with parents to inform them of their child’s progress, performance, strengths and academic needs. They collaborate with other teachers, especially in schools where teachers of different subject areas work in teams to facilitate meeting big-picture education goals. Middle school teachers may refer students to school counselors, special education teachers or school administrators for help with various problems, from emotional challenges to learning difficulties and discipline for behavioral problems.

While aspiring middle school teachers need an undergraduate college degree in education, exactly what they choose to major in can vary. Some enroll in elementary or even early education programs, while others may find degree paths in middle school education or middle grades education. By studying education in college, aspiring middle school teachers will learn child and adolescent psychology and effective teaching methods for conveying lessons. They will develop real-world experience through student teaching. Many students also choose to major in the content area they intend to teach – in fact, some states and colleges require education majors to double major in a subject area. Upon graduation, candidates will need to attain a teaching license or certification. Exactly which certification they pursue depends on the requirements of their state, but can range from elementary school to secondary school certification.

For candidates who already have a bachelor’s degree but don’t have a teaching background, there’s also an alternate route to teaching certification. This path allows candidates to take their education courses long after they have earned a degree, sometimes even while they begin their teaching career.

Median Salary: $53,430

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary or Middle School Education

8. Elementary School Teacher

How do young children learn the basics of reading, mathematics, science, social studies and other essential subjects? With the help of good elementary school teachers. These instructors typically work with students in grades one through five – generally, ages five to 11. However, some elementary schools include students up to eighth grade.

Elementary school teachers often spend the entire day teaching the same class of students, educating them in various subject areas. They manage classroom behavior, setting and enforcing rules for appropriate conduct. As students progress and gain fundamental skills, elementary school teachers present increasingly complex concepts, such as science experiments, reading assignments and group projects. They also help students develop the academic and communication skills they will need to succeed in school and in later life. In addition, elementary school students have to take standardized tests, which their teachers must prepare them to pass.

Elementary school teachers are responsible for developing lesson plans that present material in ways their students can understand and apply it. Successfully teaching this age group often requires hands-on activities, which teachers have to plan and implement. To determine how well students are understanding and applying the course material, elementary school teachers still have to assign and grade classwork, tests and even homework. Teachers at the elementary education level may have more regular communication with parents regarding individual students’ academic and behavioral performance than teachers at higher grade levels do. They also oversee student behavior during recess and mealtimes.

Naturally, a degree program in elementary education is the most straightforward choice for aspiring elementary school teachers. These programs include coursework in child psychology and development, teaching methods that are effective with young students and techniques for instructing students with different strengths, weaknesses and backgrounds.  They also include a student teaching component designed to help future teachers gain hands-on classroom experience. Some states and schools also require aspiring elementary school teachers to major in a subject area, though they will be responsible for instructing their students in all content areas. After earning their degrees, candidates will have to earn a teaching license or certification in early childhood education or elementary education. As with other types of teachers, aspiring elementary school teachers who have a bachelor’s degree in a different field can pursue an alternate route to a teaching certification.

Median Salary: $53,400

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education

9. Career and Technical Education Teacher

Not every student is cut out for a traditional college education or its corresponding career options – and that’s a good thing, because there are plenty of important jobs for which a college academic program isn’t the best preparation. Some students excel at subjects like culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, information technology, auto repair and assistant or technician roles in the healthcare industry. Career and technical education teachers instruct students in middle schools, high schools and postsecondary schools in these technical subjects so they can develop the skills necessary to enter the workforce. They work with students in classrooms, workshops and laboratories and often help students find opportunities to gain professional experience during their education.

Like other types of instructors, career and technical education teachers plan lessons and carry out activities. Through instruction and demonstration, they help students attain academic knowledge and the technical skills to apply it to the kind of real-world situations they will encounter in their future careers. They assign written and hands-on work for students to complete in and out of class and grade those assignments to measure students’ success. In middle and high school settings, career and technical education teachers may interact with parents to notify them of students’ performance, strengths and struggles. In technical schools and junior colleges, they record students’ progress toward a certificate or an associate’s degree.

The typical entry-level education requirement for career and technical education teachers is a bachelor’s degree in their subject area of expertise, though this requirement may change from one field to another. Some career and technical education teachers have only a high school degree, but many years of practical experience in the field and the credentials to prove it. Even aspiring career and technical education teachers who have a bachelor’s degree often need years of experience in the subject to begin teaching it. Career and technical education teachers who work in public middle and high schools, in particular, need a state-issued teaching license or certification. They may need to complete student teaching experiences, as well.

Generally, career and technical education teachers earn the highest salaries – a median wage of $55,160 – working in secondary or high school settings. Middle school career and technical education teachers earn a median salary of $54,220. The lowest median salary, $47,990, is found at postsecondary schools like business schools, trade schools, technical schools and two-year colleges.

Median Salary: $51,910

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Subject Area

10. Kindergarten Teacher

If your passion is to educate the youngest of young children, then kindergarten is the grade level for you. Kindergarten teachers work with children around age five. Some of these children have never been to school of any kind before, while others have some exposure to the classroom dynamic from enrollment in preschool or even a daycare program.

Kindergarten teachers develop and oversee classroom activities. They typically see a single class of students for the entire day and must develop hands-on projects that keep young children engaged, out of trouble and constantly learning. Kindergarten teachers may teach the entire class at one time, or they may break the class up into small groups and work with different groups at different times while still supervising the class as a whole. Though the work appropriate for kindergarteners is less complex than it would be for elementary school children or older kids, kindergarten teachers still have to explain the work, help students to complete assignments and determine how well they are progressing toward meeting age-appropriate goals. At this grade level, establishing and enforcing classroom rules is particularly important, since the youngest students may not yet know what behavior is acceptable in the classroom.

To become a kindergarten teacher, candidates must earn a college degree, attain work experience and complete the requirements to get a teaching license or certification. A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or elementary education is typically an appropriate choice for aspiring kindergarten teachers. Besides learning how to manage a classroom and convey information to young children, these programs will also provide candidates with student teaching experience. In some colleges and states, even kindergarten teachers will have to major in a subject area as well as education. After earning a degree, aspiring kindergarten teachers will need to attain teaching certification in early childhood grades.

Median Salary: $50,120

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Editor’s Note: The information presented in this article comes from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a federal government agency that reports on the labor market. Wages, education requirements and other details about the education jobs listed can vary depending on location and employer. If you’re interested in a career in education, consider this list a guide you can use to begin your own research specific to your goals and location.

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

The post The Top 10 Highest Paying Education Careers appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

This leads us to one of the largest misconceptions about criminology. We’ll discuss this issue in more depth in our section on the difference between criminology and criminal justice. But one of the aspects we need to emphasize early in this guide is that criminology doesn’t focus on the enforcement of the law. Criminology doesn’t study how best to manage prisoners, how to catch those guilty of a crime, or how to force a confession.

Criminology looks deeper than the above questions and seeks to determine some of the root causes of criminal behavior.

If you enter into the field of criminology you’ll study elements including

• The frequency of crimes
• The locations of crime
• The varied consequences of crime
• Reactions to crime from many groups
• How governments or individuals “deal” with crime

And many other aspects of crime. Criminology is a sub-discipline of sociology, and seeks to keep its feet firmly planted in the realm of scientific investigation.

If you’ve wondered what makes a criminal do what they do, or why we treat criminals in certain ways, then criminology may be a great field for you.

If you think you may be interested in criminology, but don’t see your question answered here, be sure to check out some of our related resources below.

Related Resources

• What are the qualifications to work in law enforcement?
• How do I become a crime analyst?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be a Crime Analyst?
• What Salary Can You Expect With a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
• What Classes Will I Take in a Criminal Justice Degree?

Table of Contents:

• What Criminology Degrees Are Available?
• Can I Pursue a Criminology Degree Online?
• How Do I Gain Admission to a Criminology Degree Program?
• Differences Between Criminology and Criminal Justice
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Criminology?

What Criminology Degrees Are Available?

Criminology degrees are available at every level of study. Additionally, when it comes to seeking a career, many students seek to learn from both criminal justice and criminology schools of thought. Many students that pursue an associates in criminal justice may follow this up with a bachelor’s in criminology, or so forth.

At the associates level, criminology degrees are primarily a preparatory step for obtaining a more advanced degree. These degrees can save you a good bit of money, as many community college systems offer free or greatly-reduced tuition costs for in-district or in-state residents. Then, once you’ve finished your associates in criminology, you can proceed into a bachelor’s program in the same or another discipline.

At the associates level, students begin their study by taking general education courses. These courses aren’t specifically about criminology, but are meant to assure that you are a well-rounded thinker, can communicate clearly, and have a college-level understanding of science and math.

After you’ve completed your general education requirements, the following courses are commonly offered in associates in criminology degrees.

• Juvenile justice
• Criminal Investigation
• Criminal Law and Procedure
• Community Corrections
• Police and Society
• And a selection of electives

A bachelor’s degree in criminology is typically the entrance point to at least being able to aid in criminological research. While you can enter law enforcement or loss prevention with less than a bachelor’s, a bachelor’s degree in a criminology is a popular route for both.

Bachelor’s degrees have traditionally taken 4 years for graduation, though studying part-time or accelerating your studie may change that timeframe to anywhere between 3 and 6 years.

Similarly to associates degrees in criminology, bachelor’s degrees begin with general education requirements. These are typically comparable to those within associates degrees.

Once you’ve worked your way up to major courses, you’ll take some selection of the following courses:

• Crime in relation to neighborhoods
• Criminal Justice and Law
• Courses in microeconomics
• Analysis of Public Policy
• Economics and Law
• Legal Literature
• Public Policy and Social Issues
• Theory of Sociology
• Society and Laws
• Organized Crime and Gands
• American Legal History I and II
• The Social Contract
• Legal Philosophy
• American Politics
• American Constitution

As you can see, a bachelor’s degree in criminology goes into much greater depth in a number of sub disciplines inside of criminology. Additionally, criminology degrees tend to prepare students well for graduate degrees including criminology, other sociology degrees, and law school.

Criminology degrees tend to be academic rather than applied in nature. And many programs may have additional thesis, capstone project, or research requirements.

At the master’s level, students can truly begin to participate in the research process of criminology. Recipients with master’s in criminology are more qualified than those with bachelor’s to jump into law enforcement roles. Additionally, public policy, governmental, and research roles related to criminology generally have minimum degree requirements of holding a master’s degree.

So what do you study in a master’s in criminology?

While curricula are often more varied than at the bachelor’s level, a collection of courses are central to a masters in criminology. Some of those courses will likely be:

• Criminological Theories, Survey
• Criminal Justice Theory and Research
• Computer Applications for Criminal Justice
• Criminology Research Methods
• Criminology Applied Statistics
• Race, Ethnicity, Social Justice, and Crime
• Individual Rights, Procedures, and Criminal Law
• Treatment and Prevention of Delinquency and Crime
• Comparative Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Administration of Criminal Justice
• Penology
• Society and the Police
• Victimology
• Thesis

Finally, doctoral degrees in criminology help to prepare students to enter full-time research and teaching roles. In the field of criminology, the terminal degree is a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in criminology. This is a research doctorate that involves 2 years of taught classes followed by a number of years of research. In order to complete a Phd., your studies must culminate in a dissertation. Dissertations are several hundred page documents of original research that are deemed of high enough quality to be placed in a peer reviewed journal.

Though Ph.D.’s offer the widest range of flexibility in what one focuses on, there are some common areas that criminology doctorates tend to focus on. Some common focus areas include:

• Female Offenders
• Youth and Adolescent Offenders
• Crime Management
• Corrections
• And many other options

Can I Pursue a Criminology Degree Online?

The short answer is, yes. A wide range of criminology degrees are available online at every level of study.

In recent years, online study has become more common, with one of four students taking at least one class online at the present time.

With that said, online degrees aren’t the right choice for everyone.

It’s important to look at some of the pros and cons of in-person and online degrees, and decide if you think online is the proper choice for you.

Some of the most commonly mentioned positive aspects of an online degree include:

• The fact that many programs have lower fees
• Asynchronous programs provide a great deal more flexibility
• The fact that you don’t have to move to pursue a degree
• The fact that you get the exact same degree as an in-person program
• Specialized support services for working adults

While those are all great aspects of an online education, students also mention the following shortcomings of the delivery method:

• It’s generally harder to get to know classmates or instructors in online settings
• There are generally less support services in online settings
• Online learning is often much more self guided, relying on you to make yourself study

So just because a program is online doesn’t mean you should necessarily opt for this delivery method. If you’re a self-starter, and enjoy greater flexibility, maybe. But if you enjoy in-person events, take more from the social pressure and relationships of an in-person program, online may not be for you.

Also note that there is a wide range of what constitutes an online degree. Some hybrid degree programs require students to attend every other class session in person, while fully online programs may not require you to come to campus once within years of instruction.

Additionally, asynchronous courses allow you to log in whenever. There will likely still be some due dates and a timeline for the course. But this is quite a bit different from a synchronous program in which you have to log on at the same time for every class and attend a live session.

How Do I Gain Admission to a Criminology Degree Program?

Criminology degree programs typically have no entrance requirements that are distinct from other degrees at the level you are seeking.

At the associates level, many community colleges have “open admissions” policies in which all students are allowed into the program. Students must then keep their grades above a certain point to remain in the program.

Bachelor’s degree programs most commonly require standardized tests like the ACT or SAT. Additionally, a resume, character references, a transcript and essays are typically required for admission.

Master’s degrees typically require a statement of purpose as well as some connection to one of the professors in the program. In a research-heavy field like criminology, you’ll want to express what you hope to learn and research within your program when you apply.

Doctoral programs often require for you to reach out to different “mentors” within the program. Find one that shares your research interests and then being the admissions process when it is clear that they are willing to work with you.

This is of course a minimized version of all of the prerequisites to obtain entry into a criminology program. But our aim is to supply you with a general grasp of what you may need to have in place in order to attend a criminology degree at a specific degree level.

Differences Between Criminology and Criminal Justice

One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of criminology is that it isn’t the same academic field as criminal justice.

At the associates level, you will sometimes see degrees in criminology and criminal justice. But as far as pursuing degrees that require original research, these are two very unique academic interests.

So what’s the difference?

Criminology ends with the suffic “-ology” which means “the study of.” This is precisely what criminology is, the study of crime and related phenomena. Criminology seeks to answer questions of how, why, and where crime happens.

Criminal justice is an applied field, in many areas of the field, criminal justice applies criminology. Criminal justice is more focused on “what” happens and the processes that are at play in the prosecution of crime. This field is a more direct preparation for working in law enforcement.

What Can I Do With a Degree in Criminology?

So what can you do with a degree in criminology?

Well, criminologists are one of the most direct career paths out of the academic study. These academicians work on the hard questions within criminology and may work in universities or other settings that support sociological research. They may be writers, or researchers that support policy makers.

As you may have guessed, there aren’t a huge number of criminologists. And the bar to entry is quite high, with at least a master’s required.

For passionate students of criminology, however, this can be a great way to continue your life investigating some of the hardest questions related to why, when, and where crime happens.

The average salary for criminologists is presently $83,571.

Though we didn’t go into the specific process of obtaining a law degree, many criminology graduates are well equipped to enter the field of law as lawyers. In particular, criminology graduates are well prepared to be criminal defense or prosecutor lawyers. These lawyers pit themselves against each other in nearly every criminal trial.

Many prosecutor lawyers will work in some capacity for the state, federal government, or a municipality. They may specialize on one type of crime or handle all cases of a certain stature for a governmental body.

Criminal defense attorneys, on the other hand, are assigned by the state to those that do not have the funds to gain representation. Additionally, they work in nonprofits and private for profit law firms. These attorneys often specialize in one type of law or crime committed.

The average salaries for prosecutorial and criminal defense attorneys are $91,950 and $78,500, respectively.

A third career type that many criminology majors go into is that of law enforcement. There are a variety of roles of which the most common is police officer. While students will need a degree from a police academy as well, there is a great deal of room for advancement within police departments for college or graduate school graduates. Many criminologists find work later in their career as detectives or in leadership roles within law enforcement.

The average salary for some of the most common law enforcement careers are listed below:

• Police Officer: $65,400
• Police Detective: $85,020
• Federal Special Agent: $135,177
• Police Chief: $106,804

Our final career path in which criminologists often their talents well rewarded is that of grant writer for non-profits and research entities. Many social justice and public health initiatives hinge on effectively quantifying crime-related statistics. Crime affects the physical and mental health, economic livelihood, and much more of areas where it is an affliction. Many criminologists are acutely prepared for stepping into research roles where an appreciation of the importance of tracking crime is rewarded.

Though there are many other positions available within the nonprofit sector, grant writers make an average of $45,850.

Think you’re interested in a degree in criminology? Be sure to check out some of our related resources below:

• What are the fastest schools for a master’s in criminology?
• What classes will I take with a degree in criminology?
• What are the qualifications to work in law enforcement?
• How do I become a crime analyst?
• What degree do I need to be a criminal profiler?
• The 25 best online master’s in criminal justice
• The 25 best online bachelor’s in criminal justice
• The 10 most affordable criminal justice degree programs
• Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice
• Top 25 Law Schools

For Further Reading: 

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

The post What Can I Do With a Criminology Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What Are the Highest-Paying Math Jobs?

Mathematical skills – and the other competencies students develop pursuing an undergraduate math degree – are in-demand in many fields.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Math?

High-paying jobs for math majors may include high-paying jobs in financial and government agencies, consulting firms, insurance companies, colleges and universities and more.

1. Cryptographer

At the intersection between mathematics and computer science is the cryptographer career path. In general, cryptography refers to the security and privacy of messages and data – but the modern field of cryptography refers specifically to computers and cybersecurity.

A cryptographer writes the computer code – and algorithms – used to protect data security online. When hackers and other cybercriminals attempt to breach data security measures and access or steal unauthorized information, the encryption programs created by a cryptographer

Average Annual Salary

The average salary for cryptographers across the United States in 2021 was $145,356, according to Western Governors University. The highest-paid cryptographers made nearly $200,000 per year, and even the 4% of the occupation with the lowest wages still earned salaries around $102,000.

2. Financial Manager

Another math role with an exceptionally high salary is financial manager. A financial manager makes financial decisions for a company and oversees the organization’s financial activities. Some of the job titles that fall under the financial manager role include treasurer, controller and chief financial officer (CFO).

RELATED: What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Finance?

Median Salary

For financial managers as a whole, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median salary of $131,710. The top 10% of earners in the financial manager occupation made upwards of $208,000, while the lowest-paid 10% of the field reported annual earnings below $77,040.

The management of companies and enterprises industry, which employed one in 10 financial managers, paid the highest median salary of all top employment industries at $158,820. The 15% of financial managers working in the professional, scientific and technical services industry earned a median salary of $158,770.

In the manufacturing industry, which employed 6% of the field, and the finance and insurance industry, which employed 30% of the field, financial managers earned a median salary of $131,710. For the 7% of financial managers who worked for government agencies, the median salary was $123,010.

Of course, how high a management position a financial manager holds affects their earning potential. Salary.com reported an average salary of $224,461 for treasurers, $240,082 for controllers and $420,300 for chief financial officers.

RELATED: How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?

3. Mathematician

Mathematician may seem like the most direct career path for math majors, but in fact, relatively few math majors follow this trajectory. There are only about 2,000 mathematicians working in America, even though the BLS reported that there are 887,590 American workers in the mathematics field.

Mathematicians are the professionals whose job duties involve math in the purest sense. To solve problems – which may be theoretical or exist in the real world – they create mathematical equations. Testing new mathematical theories and developing mathematical rules are some of the duties that a mathematician may perform.

Mathematicians who focus on abstract math work acquire mathematical knowledge for the sake of advancing the field. Mathematicians interested in applied mathematics use their knowledge of complex mathematics and their math skills to understand, organize and quantify problems and to write and solve equations through which they can address real issues.

If you want to be a mathematician with an academic focus working at a college or university, you will likely work toward a full math professor role. Unfortunately, math professor jobs and other roles for mathematicians in colleges and universities pay significantly less than other mathematician jobs. The median salary the BLS reported for mathematicians working in colleges and universities was $61,600 as of 2021 – and these math jobs typically require a doctorate degree.

Median annual salary:

Mathematicians across the United States earned a median salary of $108,100 as of 2021, the BLS reported. The highest-earning mathematicians made more than $169,500, while the lowest-earning mathematicians earned below $61,760.

Mathematicians in the professional, scientific and technical services industry, which made up 13% of the profession, earned a median salary of $129,800. The federal government – the largest industry of employment for mathematicians, which employed 62% of the workforce – paid a median wage of $115,610. Unfortunately for the 13% of mathematicians working for colleges and universities, academia pays much less, with a median salary of $61,600.

4. Actuary

With strong math skills, you could quantify just about anything – even risk. The role of an actuary is to calculate risk by looking at economic data and running complex calculations. Most actuaries work for either an insurance company or a financial institution.

While a math major can prepare students for an actuary career, students interested in becoming an actuary may also pursue a specialized degree in actuarial science.

RELATED: What Is the Salary Potential for Someone With an Actuarial Science Degree?

Median Salary

The median salary actuaries earned in 2021 was $105,900, the BLS reported. Actuarial science is such a lucrative career path that the top 10% of earners in the field made upwards of $206,820. The lowest-paid 10% of earners reported salaries below $63,260.

Among the top employment industries for this field, the government paid the most, with a median salary of $110,590. Only 3% of the field works for the government. The finance and insurance industry, which employed 74% of actuaries in the U.S., reported a median salary of $110,000.

Salaries in the professional, scientific and technical services industry and the management of companies and enterprises industry – which employed 13% and 4% of the occupation, respectively – paid very close median salaries of $101,600 and $101,510.

5. Data Scientist

Despite the job title, a data scientist is more a math professional than a scientist, at least compared to scientist jobs that first come to mind. The role of data scientists is to analyze data. This is another role that combines mathematical knowledge, statistical methods of analysis and the knowledge of computers needed to write algorithms that support machine learning.

Median Salary

Data scientists reported a median salary of $100,910 in 2021, the BLS reported. For the best-paid scientists in this career, earnings are in excess of $167,040 per year. At the lowest end of the pay scale are salaries below $59,430.

All of the top employment industries for the data scientist profession paid salaries within the range of $100,000 to $102,000. The scientific research and development services, which employed 5% of the occupation, paid a median salary of $102,750.

The 15% of the field working in the computer systems design industry reported a median wage of $102,600. For both the management of companies and enterprises industry and the management, scientific and technical consulting services – which employed 10% and 7% of the profession, respectively – the median salary for data scientists was $101,000. For the 9% of the profession working for an insurance company, the median salary was $100,360.

6. Statistician

Statistics is a data-centric discipline of analysis. Statisticians can apply methods of statistical analysis to calculate the statistical probability of many different outcomes or events in virtually any imaginable industry. Science, medicine and business are some examples of the fields that rely upon statistical methods.

RELATED: Statistics Jobs: What Kind of Job Can You Get With a Degree in Statistics?

Median Salary

As a whole, statisticians enjoy a near-six-figure median salary of $95,570, the BLS reported. The best-paid 10% of statisticians earned upwards of $157,300 per year, but the lowest-paid 10% of statisticians reported earnings under $50,000.

In the best-paid of the top employment industry – scientific research and development – statisticians earned a median salary nearly $20,000 higher than the median wage for the occupation as a whole. This industry accounts for 14% of employment in the profession and pays a median salary of $114,770. The median salary among statisticians working for federal government agencies, as 15% of the occupation does, amounted to $114,050.

RELATED: What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Degree in Statistics?

In the rest of the top employment industries for statisticians, earning potential is significantly lower. Insurance carriers employed 6% of statisticians and paid a median salary of $83,820. The 8% of the profession employed in the healthcare and social assistance industry reported a median salary of $79,060. Nearly one in 10 statisticians worked for colleges and universities, which paid a median salary of $77,750.

7. Personal Financial Advisor

An important area of finance is managing wealth. A personal financial advisor, including those with the Certified Financial Planner credential, helps clients manage, plan, save, invest and grow their wealth.

Personal financial advisors don’t make recommendations based on hunches. Rather, they analyze available financial data and past patterns to predict what will happen in financial markets.

Nearly one-fifth of all personal financial advisors are self-employed, the BLS reported. Self-employed financial advisors may also manage their own financial firms.

Median Salary

Earnings vary a great deal among personal financial advisors, for whom the BLS reported a median salary of $94,170 in 2021. While the best-paid 10% of the field reported earning more than $208,000, the lowest-paid 10% of the occupation reported salaries under $47,570.

Personal financial advisors who worked in the securities and financial investments industry – as 59% of the field does – earned a median salary just shy of six figures, at $99,970. The personal financial advisors employed in the remaining top employment industries earn substantially less, amounting to a difference of $20,000 to $30,000 per year.

The management of companies and enterprises industry employed just 1% of personal financial advisors but paid a median salary of $79,780. Close behind is the credit intermediation industry, which employed 15% of the profession and paid a median salary of $76,620. For the 3% of personal financial advisors working for insurance carriers, the median salary was $69,410.

8. Financial Analyst

As the name suggests, a financial analyst analyzes financial data. There are many types of financial analysts, including:

• Investment analyst
• Financial risk specialist or financial risk analyst
• Fund manager
• Portfolio manager
• Securities analyst
• Ratings analyst
• Buy-side analyst
• Sell-side analyst

Financial analysts often look at past market data and trends and companies’ financial statements. An investment analyst, for example, often develops financial models and advises an employer’s financial team on investment opportunities that are likely to pay off.

Median Salary

The overall median salary the BLS reported for financial analysts in 2021, $95,570, is slightly skewed because this occupation includes two roles with median wages more than $8,000 apart. For financial and investment analysts specifically, the median wage was $91,580, while the median salary for financial risk specialists hovered a bit higher, at $100,000.

The highest-paid 10% of financial and investment analysts earned upwards of $166,560, while the highest-paid financial risk specialists made more than $171,000. Financial and investment analysts in the 10th percentile made less than $57,900, while financial risk specialists in the 10th percentile earned below $59,370.

The securities, commodity contracts and other financial investment activities industry was the highest-paying industry for both financial and investment analysts and financial risk analysts, with median salaries of $100,800 and $127,110, respectively.

For financial and investment analysts, the professional, scientific and technical services industry followed, with a median wage of $96,600. The management of companies and enterprises industry paid a median salary of $83,990, followed by the insurance industry, which paid a median wage of $81,150. In the credit intermediation industry, financial and investment analysts earned a median salary of $79,910.

The management of companies and enterprises industry is the second most lucrative among the top employment industries for financial risk specialists, paying a median salary of $102,750. In the credit intermediation industry, the median salary was $98,320, closely followed by the $98,250 median salary reported for the professional, scientific and technical services industry. Insurance carriers paid financial risk analysts a median salary of $91,770.

9. Operations Research Analyst

An operations research analyst uses mathematical modeling methods and calculations to solve all kinds of practical problems organizations face, from making pricing decisions for goods and services to coordinating the supply chain, production schedules and resource allocation.

Median Salary

The BLS reported a median salary of $82,360 for operations research analysts. The best-paid operations research analysts earned considerably more. For the top 10% of earners in this role, salaries were in excess of $160,850. However, the lowest-paid 10% of operations research analysts made less than $48,690.

Although the federal government employed only 6% of the field, it paid the most, with a median salary of $120,950. The 28% of operations research analysts who worked for the professional, scientific and technical services industry reported a median salary of $99,790.

In the manufacturing industry, where 5% of the profession worked, the median salary was $98,040. For the 8% of the occupation working in the management of companies and enterprises industry, the median salary was $94,070.

The finance and insurance industry, which accounted for one-quarter of the profession, paid a noticeably lower salary of $79,450.

10. Market Research Analyst

A market research analyst uses mathematical and statistical methods to analyze market data. Through their work analyzing economic trends, a market research analyst is able to help organizations make decisions on what products to offer, how to price them and how to market them successfully to consumers.

Median Salary

Market research analysts as a whole earned a median salary of $63,920 as of 2021, the BLS reported. The highest-paid 10% of market research analysts earned more than twice that much, with salaries above $128,320. The 10% of the operations research analyst occupation with the lowest earnings made less than $37,570.

The management of companies and enterprises industry, which employed 7% of the profession, paid the highest median salary among the top employment industries: $79,640. The 4% of the field working for the publishing industries earned nearly as much, with a median wage of $79,450. In the finance and insurance industry, where 10% of the field worked, median pay amounted to $76,650.

The median salary in the wholesale trade industry, which employed 7% of market research analysts, reported a median salary of $64,090. For market research analysts working in the management, scientific and technical consulting services, which amounted to 11% of the occupation, the median salary was $62,650.

What to Expect as a Math Major

If you want to prepare for one of the highest-paying jobs for math majors, you’re going to need to take numerous math courses. Math majors study mathematical theory, methods and applications. In the course of pursuing a four-year math degree, students are likely to study mathematical analysis, linear algebra, abstract algebra, modern algebra, multivariate analysis, calculus, number theory, differential geometry and topology.

RELATED: What Is the Salary Potential for Someone with a Math Degree?

Math majors will also be exposed to methods for applied mathematics. As part of their bachelor’s degree studies, a math major may also complete a minor or elective coursework in an area of interest, such as business or computer technology, to help them develop a knowledge base that will help them in an applied mathematics career.

RELATED: What Kind of Job Can You Get With a Degree in Math?

Other Majors to Consider If You’re Good at Math

Math degrees aren’t the only options for students with strong math skills. If you want to apply your knowledge of mathematical concepts and equations to real-world issues, it might make sense to pursue a bachelor’s degree in an area relevant to the career path you plan to pursue.

Computer Science

If you want to become a cryptographer or work in another role in cyber security, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science may be the right choice. Computer science and mathematics have more in common than many people realize. In fact, mathematical principles inform the computation theories and methods of statistical analysis that are critical parts of bachelor’s degree studies in computer science.

In a bachelor’s degree program in computer science, students typically take classes in data structures and algorithms, computer programming, computer architecture, systems programming and computational science and theory.

Engineering

If you want to use your knowledge of mathematical equations to design solutions to real problems, a career as an engineer may appeal to you. Engineers work in numerous disciplines – mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering and electrical engineering, to name a few – and find employment in environments like engineering firms, technology companies, government agencies, colleges and universities and other settings.

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

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering take enough math courses, along with basic science courses, to develop a strong math and science background that they can apply to work in engineering design.

Finance

The area of business that is most closely related to mathematics is finance, which revolves around the management of wealth. Students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance typically study corporate finance, investment analysis, futures and options, securities analysis and portfolio management, international finance and financial management.

What Level of Education Do You Need for the Highest-Paying Math Jobs?

For most of the highest-paying math jobs, at least some level of college education is required. The BLS lists actuary, operations research analyst and data scientist among the math jobs with a bachelor’s degree required. A bachelor’s degree is also considered the entry-level education needed for many business jobs for math majors, such as financial analyst and personal financial advisor.

RELATED: What Are the Highest-Paying Business Entry-Level Jobs?

Although professionals with strong math skills and a relevant bachelor’s degree can do well in a variety of career roles, there are some positions for which a bachelor’s degree alone may not be enough. Some professionals working in math jobs go on to pursue a graduate degree, such as a master’s degree, or to earn a doctoral degree like a PhD.

Generally, a master’s degree is most likely to come in handy when you are pursuing a high-level role in research and development or in management. Some of the master’s degree programs that may be of interest include mathematics, business administration, finance, computer science, data science and engineering.

RELATED: How Advanced Does My Degree in Math Have to Be to Get a Good Job?

You don’t have to go for your master’s degree straight after completing your bachelor’s degree program. Many students apply to entry-level jobs for math majors after graduation, through which they gain experience and on-the-job training that can help them plan their career trajectory.

For some of the highest-paying math jobs, work experience and on-the-job training are sufficient preparation for advancement on their own, while for other roles, having a master’s degree can be invaluable.

RELATED: What Kind of Business Jobs Can You Get With a Degree in Math?

The Most In-Demand Skills for Math Majors

Any math job requires strong mathematical skills, but there are specific related skill sets that can prove valuable in a high-paying math career.

Analyze Data

Most of the math jobs on our list involve at least some analytical component. Having strong analytical skills is valuable not only for jobs that revolve around analysis specifically but also for jobs that involve any sort of strategic decision-making.

Whether you’re using methods of statistical analysis or simply applying logic and reasoning to better understand and solve problems, your analytical skills are essential to success in a math career. Due the need to analyze not only mathematical equations but also how to apply mathematical methods to real-world problems, math majors develop excellent analytical skills in the course of earning their bachelor’s degree or advanced degrees.

Solve Problems

A math major solves problems, but the types of challenges they overcome aren’t limited to arriving at the answer to a tricky equation or figuring out the value of a variable. The business, financial, risk, cyber security and other problems that are the focus of math jobs are often best addressed in similar ways, such as organizing a problem logically, analyzing each aspect and modeling solutions.

Studying math equips students with strong problem-solving skills – and that’s a skill set that almost every job requires.

Interpret Financial Reports

It takes only basic arithmetic skills and accounting knowledge to prepare financial statements, but making meaning out of financial reports is much more challenging. With their thorough grasp of mathematical concepts and theories, math majors are well-suited to make meaning and glean insights out of financial and economic data.

For Further Reading: 

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

The post Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

What is a nature career? You can earn a living through contributions like:

• Conserving natural resources
• Stopping pollution
• Making agriculture more environmentally friendly
• Making clean energy and recycling efforts a reality

Read on to learn more about 10 excellent “green” careers in nature and find out which one is right for you.

1. Environmental Engineer

Some high-paying environmental jobs include the various roles environmental engineers play.

Environmental engineers are professional problem-solvers who focus on the natural environment. They dig – sometimes literally – into the causes of environmental issues.

Some of the issues environmental engineers research include:

• Acid rain
• Pollution
• Climate change
• Waste management
• Ozone layer depletion

Once environmental engineers understand the cause of the problem, they search for ways to fix it.

How do potential applicants develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in solving problems like unsafe drinking water, global climate change and public health threats? Aspiring environmental engineers need a college education.

Bachelor’s degree programs in environmental engineering typically include coursework in subjects like:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Soil science
• Engineering principles and applications

Entry-level environmental engineering positions usually don’t require candidates to hold a Professional Engineering (PE) license, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Many environmental engineers attain a license later in their careers.

Environmental engineering is a great green career path because the mission of these professionals’ work is to help the environment. They use their knowledge of science and engineering to search for solutions to environmental issues across the globe. They may, for example, seek ways to repair damage to an ecological system. Environmental engineers may also search for ways to save ecosystems from being harmed in the first place.

Environmental scientists develop solutions of all kinds. Sometimes this work entails designing new or improved containment systems for hazardous waste. Other times, environmental engineers look for new methods of generating energy. Some environmental engineers’ jobs involve developing water reclamation procedures. Other environmental engineers search for more effective recycling practices. An environmental engineer may ways to save animal habitats from harm. Designing sustainable systems for reducing pollution is another of the types of contributions environmental engineers make. Environmental engineering roles that involve the development of new chemicals to protect crops from harmful pests and diseases are among the best-paying jobs in agricultural chemicals industries.

Many environmental engineers enjoy working outdoors. However, they often have to divide their time between working in the natural environment, collaborating with project partners in offices and presenting ideas at seminars.

If there’s a particular ecological threat that concerns you, pursuing a nature career as an environmental engineer may allow you to specialize in studying and solving that issue.

Median Salary: $96,820 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering

2. Hydrologist

What if you’re interested in environmental concerns that involve water? From water pollution to water scarcity, there are plenty of environmental issues of this sort. Hydrologist might be the right green career for you.

These scientists study how water moves. They use their knowledge to solve environmental problems related to water quality and quantity.

An undergraduate college education is essential for aspiring hydrologists. It’s not unusual for students interested in these nature jobs that pay well to pursue a graduate degree even before they enter the career field.

If you can’t find a school that offers a major in hydrology specifically, you’re not alone. There aren’t many such programs, the BLS reported. Many students instead look for a school that offers a concentration in hydrology. Hydrology concentrations may exist in earth science, geosciences or engineering programs.

Hydrology is a great career path for nature lovers. These jobs working with nature are involved in so many environmental issues, including the following:

• Droughts
• Floods
• Soil and land erosion
• Water pollution

Lack of access to clean drinking water is a major problem in some areas. Lengthy droughts can cause serious problems with farming, agriculture and fire hazards across the globe.

Studying water – and its movements, quality, and accessibility – is an important part of the field of hydrology. However, it’s just one aspect of the job. Hydrologists do more than just analyze water. They also work with scientists in various fields of study to research and develop plans for conserving, managing, and improving quality of and access to the water supply.

A career in hydrology requires a lot of hands-on work in the field. This means spending time outdoors. Hydrologists also often have the opportunity travel to new environments as they study water supplies and movements across the globe.

Median Salary: $84,030 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Geosciences, Earth Science or Engineering

3. Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientist may seem like the most natural career path for a nature-lover to pursue. After all, these are likely the first jobs that involve nature most people think of.

Researchers and practitioners of environmental science use their college-level knowledge of the natural and physical sciences to study and solve issues that affect the natural environment.

There are numerous specialist roles within the field of environmental science.

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

Environmental chemists analyze how chemicals affect the natural world. They often apply this knowledge to a mission like cleaning up contamination and pollution or hazardous waste management.

Environmental restoration planners manage pollution cleanup projects. Their job duties include establishing budgets, procedures and steps for completion.

Environmental health specialists focus on how environmental issues affect public health dangers.

Industrial ecologists work with companies in industries that often have a negative effect on the environment. These scientists establish practices that minimize the ecological harm.

Many environmental scientists begin their jobs in nature working lower-level roles in environmental science. For example, applicants often have experience in roles like the following:

• Laboratory technician
• Field analyst
• Research assistant

Advancing to higher-level roles in environmental science may require an advanced degree.

Environmental scientists play a role in understanding and addressing environmental problems of all kinds. They do the field work of gathering soil, water, plant and other samples for testing. Working in environmental science also encompasses laboratory work. In the lab, environmental scientists study samples and record data. They use their information to not only identify existing ecological issues but also predict possible future threats.

Some environmental scientists spend most of their time doing hands-on work to clean up polluted ecosystems. Others collaborate with public policymakers or private industry leaders to develop regulations and business practices that result in less of a disturbance to the natural environment. In either case, the occupation allows the professional to make a positive change on the environment, directly or indirectly.

Successful environmental scientists must have the analytical skills and self-discipline to present their findings in technical reports. They also need problem-solving and interpersonal skills for developing plans for resolving ecological problems and getting the message across to the public and government and business entities.

Median Salary: $76,530
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Geosciences

4. Agricultural Manager

What job could be more green – literally – than growing the plant crops that feed families across that nation? Agricultural managers are the professionals who oversee the routine activities required to run a farm. These are also some high-paying jobs that work with plants and animals.

Whether they grow crops, raise livestock or both, agricultural managers play an integral part in the U.S. economy. Of course, they also contribute to the food supply.

Many agricultural managers start their careers by doing hands-on farm production work. They may begin gaining this experience during childhood or adolescence, particularly if they grew up living on a farm.

It’s become increasingly common for agricultural managers to have a college degree, the BLS reported. Many agricultural managers have at least an associate’s degree, if not a bachelor’s degree, in agriculture. Aspiring agricultural managers develop the analytical and critical-thinking skills they need to run the farm and the mechanical skills necessary to do hands-on farming work by taking classes like the following:

• Farm management
• Dairy science
• Plant breeding
• Agricultural economics

Coursework in the business of agriculture also helps students develop business skills.

It’s true that not all farming activities qualify as “green.” However, today’s farmers are met with a greater demand for organic food products and sustainable farming practices.

Agricultural managers hold leadership roles on farms. This puts them in a position to implement these changes and make farming more environmentally friendly than ever before.

After all, agricultural managers are rarely responsible for the actual planting, plowing, harvesting, herding and animal care tasks you most likely associate with farming. They focus instead on the big-picture concerns of running a successful farm. Agricultural managers’ mission will usually include determining answers to questions like the following:

• How the farm will spend its operating budget
• What crops to plant or animals to raise
• How to store and ship crops and livestock for sale

It’s an agricultural manager’s job to recruit and train farm workers. Their job duties also entail maintaining the farm, and all of the equipment necessary to run it, in proper working order. These are precisely the decisions that have the power to make the agriculture industry green.

Median Salary: $73,060 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture

5. Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design outdoor environments. The work of a landscape architect ranges from public parks to private home gardens.

The path to becoming a landscape architect is more rigorous than you might think. Most states have licensing requirements for landscape architects.

A college degree is a requirement. However, not any degree will do. Students typically need to choose a special degree. Either a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) or Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA) degree program can prepare applicants for this career.

To meet state licensing requirements, students usually need a degree from an accredited program. Accredited programs in landscape architecture can take up to five years of full-time study.

Like the architects who design buildings and bridges, landscape architects must complete extensive studio design work. This work involves building models and creating computer-aided designs. According to the BLS, aspiring landscape architects also study subjects like the following:

• Landscape ecology
• Surveying
• Geology
• Plant and soil science
• Landscape design and construction

Earning a degree may be just the first step to this career. Aspiring landscape architects may need to attain several years of training working under experienced landscape architects before they can meet the qualifications to take the Landscape Architect Registration Examination. Upon passing this exam, landscape architects can finally earn their licenses.

It’s important for the spaces designed by landscape architects to be visually and aesthetically appealing. That said, appearance isn’t the only thing that matters in their work. Many of the projects a landscape architect may work on help the environment in some way.

Landscape architecture projects often include adding plant life to the environment. In some cases, landscape architects install plants in places where plants are naturally lacking, like the rooftops of tall city buildings. They decide where on a site to put trees and other plants, as well as structures like walkways and buildings. Landscape architects also choose what plants to use for a project. Other projects focus specifically on restoring ecosystems that have been altered, polluted or destroyed by human activities or changes in the environment.

Aspiring landscape architects should be comfortable working both outdoors and in office environments. Landscape architects spend some of their work time at jobsites. They also spend a good deal of time in the office researching, creating designs and preparing budgets and reports, according to the BLS.

Median Salary:  $67,950 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture or Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture

6. Wildlife Biologist

Are your environmental interests focused more closely on animals than plants or earth science? A career in zoology and wildlife biology might be what you’re looking for. Zoologist and wildlife biologist encompass some high-paying jobs with animals.

Wildlife biologists and zoologists study animals. Individual wildlife biologists often focusing particular types of animals, like mammals. They may also focus on groups of animals that live in specific habitats, such as oceans.

What education you will need for a career as a wildlife biologist depends on what you plan to do in the field. You can get an entry-level role in this field of science with just a bachelor’s degree. You’ll need a master’s degree if you aspire to conduct higher-level investigative or scientific work, the BLS reported. To advance into independent research or university research roles, you will need a Ph.D.

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

Working with animals, in and of itself, may not be enough to make a career qualify as green. Still, the wildlife biology career path is certainly a green career.

Part of a wildlife biologist’s job is to observe the animals’ behavior, physical characteristics and interactions with its own kind and with other species. However, much of a wildlife biologist’s work focuses on conservation of the animals’ natural habitat and preserving the species.

These scientists keep tabs on the animals’ populations. They may implement breeding programs to increase the population of endangered species. Developing conservation plans is also a typical part of these jobs, according to the BLS.

Wildlife biologists even play a role in the development of alternative energy solutions. For example, imagine that a wind farm is being constructed. A wildlife biologist may assess how the turbines and construction could interfere with the local ecosystem. This assessment helps the biologist devise strategies to minimize the impact on the region’s birds and other animal life, the BLS reported.

Median Salary: $64,650 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Degree Zoology and Wildlife Biology

7. Conservation Scientist

Few careers are greener than that of a conservation scientist. In these jobs in nature, you would study the quality of natural resources and plan how to use those resources.

If a career as a conservation scientist sounds like the right choice for you, you’ll need to choose your college carefully. Employers may prefer applicants who have a bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

The coursework in accredited programs typically covers subjects like the following, according to the BLS:

• Biology
• Ecology
• Forest resource measurement
• Computer modeling,

Some conservation scientists choose to pursue professional certification through the Society of American Foresters or the Society for Range Management. Professional certification is not required for these nature jobs, but it can be beneficial.

Conservation scientist is another occupation that allows workers to split their time between working outdoors and indoors. Conservation scientists may work extensively in the field. They often take long walks that require a great deal of physical stamina, according to the BLS. They also spend time in laboratories and offices. Here, they analyze data and draft plans for conservation projects.

As a conservation scientist, the main goal of your job would be to preserve the natural environment and its resources. In fact, many conservation scientists don’t just conserve existing resources. They actually work to improve resources, like making farmland more fertile for agriculture. Your work could include tasks like gathering and studying water, soil and plant samples. Developing strategies for using and conserving resources is also part of many jobs in conservation science. A conservation scientist may also oversee land use and harvesting contracts and practices.

With the right qualifications and experience, you might find yourself in a specialized role in conservation science. Specialized conservation science jobs include:

• Conservation land manager
• Range manager
• Soil conservationist
• Water conservationist

In specialized jobs in conservation science, scientists focus their efforts on preserving a particular land area or aspect of the natural world.

Median Salary: $63,750 (2021)
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Environmental Science or Agricultural Science

8. Limnologist

Limnologist probably isn’t a career you’re familiar with. It can, however, be a very rewarding nature career.

A limnologist is a type of scientist. In some ways, limnologist is similar to more well-known marine biologist career. Unlike the marine biologist, a limnologist studies the animals, plants and ecosystems that make up freshwater environments. Lakes and ponds – and their plant and animal inhabitants – the the subject of a limnologist’s study.

RELATED: What Degree Do You Need to Become a Marine Biologist?

How much money a limnologist makes can vary significantly based on two factors:

• The kind of work the limnologist does
• The industry and organization for which the limnologist works

A limnologist’s area of specialization also affects both job duties and earning potential. For example, limnologists who study freshwater animals can expect to earn a median wage similar to that of wildlife biologists, the BLS reported. Those who study the movement of water, instead, earn salaries more comparable to that of hydrologists.  Limnologists with a chemistry focus may bring home a median salary that’s on par with chemists in other disciplines.

Limnologist is a very broad career path. Ecologists, environmental scientists, biogeochemists and various other kinds of scientists and researchers can all fall under the category of limnologists if they specialize in studying freshwater ecosystems.

Limnologist is an excellent career for nature-lovers. Many of the roles in this area of science include a focus on conservation.

For example, a limnologist who studies freshwater animal life might research the reasons behind a diminishing population of fish. They may also develop plans for increasing that population back to normal levels.

Limnologists also conduct experiments to determine what effects possible changes to the freshwater ecosystem could have on the environment. Examples of the kinds of changes limnologists study are the introduction of a new species of fish and changes in the diet of small organisms like plankton.

If you enjoy spending time in lakes and ponds, you will enjoy the fieldwork in these nature careers. Limnologists visit these environments to record measurements and gather specimens and water samples to study in the lab.

Median Salary: $63,625 (2023, job search website Zippia)
Education Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Degree in Biology or Chemistry

9. Wind Turbine Service Technician

Few things are greener than clean energy sources. Wind turbine service technicians are the maintenance and repair professionals whose work makes renewable wind energy possible. Another name for wind turbine service technicians is “windtechs.”

Wind turbine service technicians are responsible for examining, repairing and maintaining the turbines that generate renewable wind energy. For many wind turbine service technicians, the opportunity to work primarily outdoors is enjoyable.

However, the job is also physically demanding and can be dangerous. Industrial wind turbines are often hundreds of feet tall. Windtechs maintenance on very tall wind turbine towers. Replacing old or damaged parts is part of a windtech’s job. So is troubleshooting the various mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems used to power the wind turbines. To do this work, windtechs need to know how to use safety harnesses and other equipment to safely climb the towers.

In 2021, windtechs held 11,100 jobs across the nation, the BLS reported. However, these nature careers are growing rapidly in America and across the globe. Jobs for windtechs in the United States should increase by 44% between 2021 and 2023, according to the BLS. That’s nearly nine times the 5% job growth rate for all occupations during that same period.

Many of the jobs on our top 10 green careers list are science-based and at least partly academic in nature, but windtech is an exception. Are you more comfortable fixing mechanical problems than studying samples in a lab? If so, wind turbine service technician is a career path that will fit both your technical talents and your love of nature.

This emphasis on technical skills also makes wind turbine technician one of the best jobs in nature without a degree. The BLS considers the minimum level of education for this nature career to be a postsecondary nondegree award. This means a training program from a community college or technical school that confers a certificate may be all you need to get started. If you would rather go for a degree, search for a wind energy technology program at the associate degree level.

Median Salary: $56,260 (2021)
Education Level: Associate’s Degree in Wind Energy Technology

10. Recycling Coordinator

Are you passionate about recycling? Why not turn your enthusiasm into a career as a recycling coordinator?

These labor management professionals oversee recycling efforts. Their work ensures that collected recyclables actually make their way to a facility where they can be transformed into something new or reused, rather than permanently discarded in a landfill.

Recycling coordinators establish recyclables collection schedules. They send workers to pickup routes. These nature-focused careers involve serving as a supervisor or manager for the employers who operate recycling collection trucks and processing facilities.

The earning potential for recycling coordinators can vary widely, the BLS reported. The lowest-paid recycling coordinators earn well below the median salary for all occupations. The highest-paid recycling coordinators can pull in six-figure salaries annually.

Certain factors make a big difference in salary for recycling coordinators. The size of the program the recycling coordinator is responsible for managing is one such factor. Another is the amount of experience the worker has. Even new recycling coordinators who oversee relatively small recycling programs find the work rewarding in non-financial ways. No matter the scale, their work has a positive impact on the environment.

Recycling coordinators help the natural environment in more ways than one. By planning and supervising recycling programs, they ensure that recycling efforts actually become a reality. Once the recyclables are collected and sorted, they need to make it to a facility that will actually use the materials to create another usable product. A recycling coordinator is behind this process, too. Part of their jobs is negotiating contracts to sell and transport the recycling materials to a facility that will use them.

An important aspect of any successful recycling program is public education and awareness. Making the public aware of the importance of recycling and which items can be recycled is critical. Education through community outreach is another job duty recycling coordinators must accomplish.

A passion for recycling is among the most important characteristics for a recycling coordinator to have. Recycling coordinators also need excellent skills in communication, data management and administration. They typically need a bachelor’s degree in a subject related to the environment. Past work experience in education, manufacturing, waste management or the government is also useful.  In some states, recycling coordinators need to acquire state certification.

Median Salary: $57,860 (2022, O*NET)
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Education or Environmental Resources Management

Every nature job on our environmental science careers list gives applicants a chance to make a difference. Whether your mission is to protect plant life or wildlife, combat pollution or clean up existing environmental issues, the contributions you make when you join these industries affect the natural world not just in the U.S. but across the globe.

Editor’s note:

Some green jobs have been around for decades. Others are relatively new and evolving all the time. If you’re seeking a job that’s environmentally friendly and will allow you the chance to help protect the natural world, you have plenty of options.

Choosing a career is a big decision. It’s important to consider all of the potential benefits and challenges of an occupation before you commit to it. Consider this list a guide for beginning your own research into the green career that’s right for you.

To learn more about these and other jobs for nature lovers, check out the Green Jobs Career Outlook articles published by the BLS. Unless otherwise stated, the BLS was the source for any employment, education, training, salary and career outlook information presented in this article.

Related Resources: 

Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science

Best Paying Jobs With a Geography Degree

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

The post The Top 10 “Green” Nature Careers for Nature-Lovers appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

A good engineer thinks in reverse and asks himself about the stylistic consequences of the components and systems he proposes – Helmut Jahn

We’re surrounded by chemicals. They exist naturally all around us, but they’re also manufactured and combined in myriad ways to build products and compounds we take for granted and use regularly. The people who create many of these compounds are known as chemical engineers, and their creations have an incredible influence over our society and ability to adapt the world around us to our needs.

One way we can see chemical engineering at work is through its assistance in the creation and maintenance of human nutrition. Chemical engineers have discovered and invented fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides that protect produce, and help it thrive in a variety of environments. They’ve innovated the ways food is packaged and processed to improve taste, nutritional value, appearance, convenience, safety, and longevity. They’ve also used sterilization to prevent food from spoiling and keep food-borne illnesses from hurting people.

While chemical engineers have helped keep us fed and yielding more from our food, they’ve also made it possible for people to explore the world through the analysis, understanding, and control of hydrocarbon molecules. Through this work, they’ve been able to create efficient gasoline, jet fuel, and much of the human-made energy that society needs daily to function. Now chemical engineers are not just finding out how to get more use from fossil fuels; they’re creating and refining new alternative energies that can be used to cut emissions, eliminate waste and inefficiencies, and potentially extend the amount of time humans can viably live on earth.

This work doesn’t just extend to fuel, but the environments it impacts. Chemical engineers are working every day to lessen the impact of industrial and consumer waste, purify water supplies, and make raised product standards possible through their work. Some of this work comes through green manufacturing like chemical scrubbing, bioremediation for contaminating agents, and even reducing the waste found in universally used products like ibuprofen.

Chemical engineers have also been indispensable in human history through their work in war efforts, and the development of technologies that keep soldiers and police officers safe. Without chemical engineers, we wouldn’t have developed the rubbers that the Allies used to win World War II or the Kevlar vests that are used to protect our troops and police safe from gunfire. We also wouldn’t have the athletic footwear that allows modern athletes to extend their careers and thrive on and off the field.

As the global population rapidly expands, chemical engineers have streamlined the processes that create consumer products, leading to far higher production of the goods we use every day. This has brought costs down dramatically, improving life quality for incalculable millions, if not billions of people throughout history.

Perhaps one of the most useful areas of chemical engineering is through the medical field. Chemical engineers have created lifesaving drugs that are used every day, like the industrial-scale production of penicillin through fermentation and massive mold growth through aerated and agitated tanks (as opposed to smaller surfaces). They’ve helped build the materials used in prosthetics, and even developed the sunscreens that protect our skin from damage and cancer, among many other medical developments.

These are just a smattering of the applications and roles that chemical engineers play throughout our society and economy. To learn more and explore your options, keep reading, and you may begin to see how you fit into this exciting, multi-faceted landscape.

By earning a chemical engineering degree you can help shape the world around us and the life quality of incalculable people right now, and for years to come.

In this comprehensive resource, we’ll explore the available chemical engineering degrees, including degree levels and diverse specializations, as well as share the work we’ve done at Degree Query to help you find the best chemical engineering degree for you. While you read it, please think about the following questions and considerations:

• What are your longterm career goals, and how can a degree in chemical engineering help you achieve them?
• You don’t have to know precisely what you would do in chemical engineering (it’s an extremely versatile and overlapping field), but having some idea will help you in your search for the right degree for you.
• What degree level have you reached so far in your higher education? What job do you want, and what degree level is necessary for you to qualify in it?
• Entry-level chemical engineering positions generally require a Bachelor’s degree, but candidates with graduate or doctoral degrees are far more desirable, especially in senior positions.
• How much can you afford to pay in tuition and other associated costs for a prospective chemical engineering degree, and how much would you need to borrow to pay for one?
• Many different costs come with a chemical engineering program. These can depend on the school you choose to attend, the available delivery formats, scholarships, and loans you may receive, along with many other factors.
• It’s also best practice to choose a school you can afford to pay for instead of borrowing money. That’s not realistic for many people, so if you must borrow money to afford your degree, always try your hardest to take out public loans instead of private ones. You should also always choose schools that are more affordable, accredited, and non-profit instead of expensive, for-profit options.
• How much time can you commit to a chemical engineering degree daily, weekly, and overall before you complete it? Different chemical engineering programs convey their classes through many different formats.
• These can 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 chemical engineering degree? Different states, cities, and industries have different needs for chemical engineers.
• What is your current career and educational background? How can a specific chemical engineering degree program you’re considering build up your strengths and make up for your weaknesses?
• What are the available specializations in chemical engineering degrees? How can a focus or specialization in the field assist you in achieving your educational and career goals?

This is just a small sample of the questions and considerations you should ponder while searching for a chemical engineering degree (or any other degree program). Throughout your degree search it’s useful to write out additional questions, considerations, desires, needs, and the other factors that will govern what schools you can get in to, and most importantly what you want out of a chemical engineering program.

Now let’s look at the qualities that make chemical engineers successful. Think about whether these apply to you, and if not, whether you’re capable of improving in the areas you’d need to thrive within the field.

What are the Qualities and Attributes that Make Chemical Engineers Successful?

• Strong Analytical Skills: The core of chemical engineering comes through logic, nuance, and deep inspection of problems and their potential solutions.
• High Motivation: Chemical engineering is difficult, complex work. It requires not just sharp intelligence, but a willingness to commit untold hours to study and hard work, especially in the face of failure and defeat.
• Working Well With Others: Chemical engineers rely on coworkers, bosses, investors, and of course the needs and demands of the population at large. You’ll need to be extremely flexible, incredibly communicative, and emotionally consistent to thrive in this field.
• Strong Conceptualizers: Chemical engineering discoveries and creations begin with a simple design or concept that’s fleshed out and tested again and again. But this process often begins with sketches, or the nugget of an idea that becomes a reality far later.
• Adept Mathematicians and Scientists: Don’t get it twisted: to be a great chemical engineer you need a great natural talent for math and science across many different disciplines. If this isn’t something you know you possess, this field probably isn’t for you.
• Organized and Problem-Solving Oriented: Chemical engineers juggle so much at once, and throughout need to keep their eyes on the prize: solving pertinent problems that improve people’s lives and save businesses money.

Now let’s dive into what we’ve done at Degree Query to help you find your place in chemical engineering, or another educational discipline that can radically change your life and career:

How Can We Help You Find the Right Chemical Engineering Degree for You?

At Degree Query we’ve done so much to help you find the best degree for you, whether that’s in chemical engineering or another field. We’ve ranked schools, jobs, and degree options. We’ve also answered frequently asked questions about the degree options that are currently available, reported about the state of higher education, and built tools like our interactive compare careers resource which was created to help you find the best educational pathway for your needs and desires. Some of the work we’ve done that applies to chemical engineering specifically, and the schools that offer degrees in this area includes:

Rankings

We’ve ranked jobs and degrees related to chemical engineering, including:

• Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers
• 50 Highest Paying Bachelor’s Degrees
• Top 50 Degrees For Changing The World
• Top 50 Degrees for the Future

We’ve also answered questions like:

• What are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?
• What degree do I need to be a Chemical Engineer?
• What Is the Difference Between an Engineering Degree and an Engineering Technology Degree?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Environmental Engineering?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
• What Degree Do You Need to Be a Biomedical Engineer?
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Science?
• What Can I Do With An Engineering Degree?
• What Is the Difference Between a Chemical Engineering Degree and a Biomedical Engineering Degree?
• What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Chemical Engineering?
• What Is the Benefit of a Chemical Engineering Degree Vs a Chemistry Degree?

Now that we’ve looked at the content we’ve produced that’s related to chemical engineering let’s inspect the degrees available to people who want to enter this discipline:

What are the Different Levels of Chemical Engineering Degrees?

Now we’re getting into the meat of your degree options in chemical engineering. Depending on what degree level you’ve reached you’ll want to consider one of the following if you’re still interested in an education and career in the field. Studying chemical engineering in undergraduate can make graduate study in the area much more comfortable, but it’s not necessarily required, except at the doctoral level.

Associates in Chemical Engineering

In these two-year programs students will learn the most essential elements of chemical engineering, taking courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology. They’ll explore how these disciplines can impact the use of materials in food, drugs, fuel, and much more. At an elemental level, they’ll learn to identify a problem, compile data about it, then use that data to try and solve problems. These programs are often offered through junior or community colleges, which allow students to save time and money in comparison with traditional, on-campus programs. Graduates will be prepared to take on the most entry-level positions in labs, agencies, and other basic chemical engineering openings. They’ll also be ready to transfer into four-year programs and complete their Bachelor degrees in chemical engineering, which is strongly recommended for those who want a longterm career in the field.

Bachelors in Chemical Engineering

Here you’ll study for three to four years depending on the program you choose. You can graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering depending on the school you attend. These degrees will teach you how to design and execute economic, sustainable, and safe equipment, materials, and chemical compounds for biological or chemical manufacturing plants, among other organizations. You’ll spend significant time in the lab, but also work to solve pressing real-world problems, like creating clean technologies, or measuring the impacts of chemical processes on the environment. Your work can also lead to new consumer products, vaccines, better versions of existing treatments like chemotherapy, and so much more. Some programs can help you earn a Master’s in Chemical Engineering in hybrid programs that combine a Bachelor’s and Master’s program depending on your grades and coursework. Speaking of which:

Masters in Chemical Engineering

In these programs you’ll gain an advanced understanding of chemical engineering, completing required modules and doing a good deal of elective studying to build a set of skills that will qualify you for many of the positions available to chemical engineers across the economy. These programs can be completed in as little as 16 months, but can also take four to five years depending on your delivery format, course schedule, as well as previous experience and coursework. In addition to a graduate level inspection of biology, physics, math, chemistry, and how they can be used to create and refine a wide range of products, treatments, and human-made resources. You’ll also gain an incredible understanding of risk management, how to work in chemical engineering safely, risk management, knowledge of the financial implications involved in chemical engineering, and much more. These programs often culminate in a thesis or independent dissertation (and its defense) on a topic of your choice (within chemical engineering of course).

Doctorates in Chemical Engineering

These degrees generally take four to five years to complete and prepare graduates to work at the very highest levels of chemical engineering, whether that be in research, education, or executive positions at drug companies, fuel organizations, and throughout the chemical engineering landscape. These programs often lead to a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering, but can also lead to a Doctor of Science in the field, but are generally identical in their contents. These programs are primarily based around an extremely comprehensive independent research project and the doctoral dissertation it leads into (as well as that dissertation’s defense).

Now that we’ve looked at the different degree levels in chemical engineering, let’s explore available degree specializations:

What are the Different Specializations Within Chemical Engineering

There are many different focuses you can select in a chemical engineering degree program. Here are some of the available options:

Materials Synthesis

Here you’ll learn to create new products and materials out of plastic, metal, and much more. You’ll learn and make use of biomaterials, ceramics, nanoparticles, with the goal of improving many processes, especially concerning bettering life quality for others, making businesses more efficient (and thus more profitable), among other outcomes.

Materials Processing

Here you’ll really lean into how materials and processes can be made safer and more effective. At its heart materials processing is about problem-solving. You might deal with dangerous materials, gas or oil, and the separation or transportation of them all. You’ll gain an incredible understanding of different substances in order to be successful in this specialization.

Alternative Energies

This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of renewable, sustainable energies. You’ll likely work with batteries, biofuel, wind, and solar power. Your creations will pay dividends for years to come and could extend the viability of the planet for human and animal life. Mitigating climate change is going to be a vital part of science and the economy for years to come, and you can be a part of that by working with alternative energies.

Food Engineering

As we’ve previously discussed, creating or improving food chemically is an essential part of chemical engineering. This can involve additives and processing that can lead to higher yields of naturally occurring food, breeding food that takes longer to go bad, and adding more health benefits to the foods we eat. This field is extremely important, especially considering that a significant part of the global population are struggling to get consistent nutrition.

Biomedical Chemical Engineering

Biology and chemistry are deeply intertwined, and any biomaterials are made up of chemicals. As a chemical engineer in biomedical disciplines, you can use chemicals to create physical responses in organisms, and much more. This work can lead to developments that save or improve lives, among many other outcomes.

Environmental Engineering

The same way chemical engineering can be used to impact organisms, it’s also extremely useful in the development or improvement of environments big and small. In these specialties, you’ll learn to mitigate or eliminate hazardous materials, work on controlling the impact of pollution, or anything else that negatively effects environments. These pursuits can also apply to get the most out of an environment for a business.

Chemical Engineering Design

Here you’ll use the latest technologies and computer-aided design programs to create new processes and theories that are then tested and utilized in the real world. You’ll look at how systems and processes work, simplifying them whenever possible to create exponential utility for businesses and people.

Now that we’ve looked at the degree options and the specializations in the field of chemical engineering we’re almost ready to wrap up. But first:

Chemical Engineering Degrees in Conclusion

We hope you’ve found this guide extremely helpful. Before we go, let’s take a look at how much you can earn while working as a Chemical Engineer.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, chemical engineers earned a median pay of $104,910 in 2018 or $50.44 per hour. There were 32,700 of these positions in 2016, and BLS predicted an 8% growth between 2016-26, leading to 2,500 new jobs. The typical entry-level education for these roles was a Bachelor’s degree.

The lowest 10% of people in these positions earned less than $64,890 in 2019, and the highest 10% earned over $169,770. Areas associated with higher pay include the petroleum and coal industries, research and development roles, engineering services, wholesale trade, and pharmaceutical or medicine manufacturing.

Remember, if you find a program or school through our content that you think is a good fit, it’s beneficial to send an exploratory email requesting more information about the application process to them. You’ll likely receive valuable information about their program, what you can do to better your chances of being accepted to it, and learn more about whether it’s a good fit for you or not.

Here’s to a successful career and education in chemical engineering, or whatever field you decide to enter or continue your education in! Good luck!

The post What Can I Do With a Chemical Engineering Degree? appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Introverts do well in calm environments and work spaces that tend to be more private. As an Introvert, you probably don’t want to go into an aggressive, outgoing position like sales or stock trading. Introverts are more analytical and observational and find their energies are heightened with moments of reflection and lessen with too much interaction. There are certain careers that align with the Introverted person more than others. Highlighted below are what we found to be the Top 10 Careers for Introverts. The featured occupations not only present an ideal work surrounding for Introverts, they are more in demand nationally and have annual salaries that are relatively high.

Keep in mind though that it was also Carl Jung who said,

“There is no such think as a pure introvert or extrovert. Such a person would be in the lunatic asylum.”

Of course, people’s behaviors can often fluctuate; if an Introverted job is not working out for you, maybe you’re more Extroverted than you think. In that case, check our Top 10 Careers for Extroverts!

1. Land Surveyor

Anytime new construction takes place, a surveyor is sent out to measure distances and angles. They research land records, previous survey records and land titles. They locate boundary lines and record their results. Precision is the name of the game. The data of a survey must be accurate as their findings indicate where a new building can or cannot be built.

All information is prepared in the form of a report or various maps and presented their clients. Clients might be private, public companies or government agencies.

Surveying includes fieldwork conducted outdoors with camera-like heavy duty equipment as well as indoor office work. You may work on a team; however, a lot of the job is a solo gig. You will have to travel to the project location and stand for long periods of time. Sometime work will be in remote areas with very little communication with anyone. You did say you were an Introvert, no?

Median Salary: $56,230
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 10% increase between 2012 and 2022

2. Librarian

The library – the only place where you can legitimately tell people to shut up without seeming like a nut. It’s a world made by introverts, for introverts, and it can be yours to rule.

That may be an overstatement. But Librarian is an ideal job for the more introverted among us. Sure, you work with the public some, checking in and checking out books, giving recommendations, and helping with research, but much of your time is spent shelving books, cataloguing and filing, repairing damaged volumes, and other good recharging tasks. And if you’re so introverted the mild public interaction is too much for you, you can always specialize in something like archival or digital media, where your only company is rare books or computers.

Median Salary: $55,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 7% increase between 2012 and 2022

3. Animator

Bringing drawings to life has always been the domain of focused, even obsessive, introverts. Sure, it takes many animators to make something like an animated feature film, but even in those large teams, most of the work in done individually, with an editor and director bringing all of the pieces together into a finished film.

Of course, the internet has created a new world of animation, much of which can be managed by just one animator; think of the little Google Doodle animations that make obscure historical dates and holidays so much fun. Same goes for video games – someone had to animate the characters in your favorite time-killing app. And odds are, that person is an introvert.

Median Salary: $61,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 6% increase between 2012 and 2022

4. Forensics

So you’d like to work in law enforcement, helping keep citizens safe and earning a tidy pension and retirement, not to mention reliable benefits. But you’re an introvert – there’s no way you’re walking a beat or patrolling the streets where you’ll have to interact with all kinds of people (especially people who don’t like you). Maybe a desk job, but that still means a lot of demanding, very stressed people to work with. And forget about prison guard. Sheesh.

There’s still a way to put away criminals from a safe space: forensic science. Plus, there are many specializations you could follow so you’re doing something interesting to you, such as digital forensics analyst (if you like computers), forensic pathologist (if you like biology), and print examiners (if you like – well, fingerprints). You may work in the field collecting evidence, or in a lab examining evidence, but in either case, it’s mostly just you and the evidence. Just the way you want it.

Median Salary: $52,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 6% increase between 2012 and 2022

5. Food scientist

A food scientist studies food. Scientifically.

Well, there you go. Nothing more to see here.

Okay, there’s a lot more to it. Some Food Scientists perform basic research learning about the biology and chemistry of the plants and animals we eat, to try and better understand how food affects our bodies, how to preserve and process foods effectively, and how to make food more sustainable. Others work in applied research, using the insights gained by basic researchers to make the products we see in our grocery stores.

As a laboratory-based profession, Food Scientist can be appealing to introverts who work better in small groups or with partners, but not with a lot of social interaction.

Median Salary: $65,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 9% increase between 2012 and 2022

6. Marine Biologist

Do you get along better with dolphins than with people? Is that a weird question? If you think it’s a weird question, move on. But if it struck a nerve, you may want to consider becoming a Marine Biologist.

As a Marine Biologist, you won’t be completely on your own; Jane Goodall might have gone to live with the apes, but going to live with the fish is another thing entirely. Most Marine Biologists will have to work in teams, since studying marine life requires a lot of equipment and specialized knowledge that no one person could be expected to have. But they will usually be small groups of trusted colleagues, not the general public, and much of your work will be with creatures who don’t expect you to make small talk. You don’t even have to be interviewed by National Geographic, if you don’t want to.

Median Salary: $57,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 5% increase between 2012 and 2022

7. Information Security Analyst

You really don’t need an explanation about why a computer career is good for introverts. You’re here already, on your computer. What you may not realize is that security is one of the fastest-growing, highest-paying careers that only requires a bachelor’s degree, and that doesn’t require you to sweet-talk or sell anyone anything. Security is its own selling point.

An Information Security Analyst keeps hackers out of networks, makes sure sensitive information is encrypted and protected, looks for weaknesses in security, and creates standards for others in an organization. They will periodically report to administrators, but for the most part, they’re at the computer, building and using tools to make sure no one steals your PIN number or SSN.

Median Salary: $87,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 37% increase between 2012 and 2022

8. Organic Farmer

If you’re happiest with a little dirt under your nails and a little sunburn on your arms, you know where you belong. And if you love the earth and distrust all the unnatural processes of industrial-scale farming, you may find yourself happiest as an Organic Farmer.

Let’s not mince words – there is nothing easy or lucrative about being a farmer. Organic farms are mostly small, family farms, and even if you’re doing well enough to hire workers, you’re going to be doing most of that work yourself. And farming is sun-up to sun-down, year-round hard labor. You have to do it for love. But, if you’re in the right market, where organic produce is appreciated, and you find a clientele who is willing to pay the extra price for quality, you might just make it. And you’ll do it on your own terms.

Median Salary: $31,000
Education Level: n/a
Projected employment growth: n/a

9. Technical Writer

You like to write, and you’re good at it, but moving to New York and living the Rent lifestyle doesn’t appeal to you. Way too many parties for you. There’s a way to write, make a solid income, and never, ever have to sing a show tune. Technical writing.

The Technical Writer writes all the things that no one thinks about someone writing – instruction manuals, FAQs, and data reports. To be a good technical writer, you need to be skilled in taking complex or confusing information and making it clear and accessible to the intended audience. Some skill with drawing or computer graphics is helpful too, as you will often make your own diagrams and charts to help readers visualize your instructions. It’s not romantic, but it pays better than slam poetry.

Median Salary: $65,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 15% increase between 2012 and 2022

10. Astrobiologist

Many an introvert has looked up at the stars, wondering how we got here and whether there’s anyone else out there wondering the same thing. Introverts are often dreamers like that. But there’s a job where dream meets reality, and that job is Astrobiologist.

No, it’s not just a career that exists on Star Trek. Astrobiologists combine astronomy, biology, and other scientific fields in a search for the origins of life on Earth and the possibility of life elsewhere. It’s a research field, largely in universities or NASA facilities, and while there may be some teaching involved, most of your career will be spent in books, at computers, at telescopes, and in laboratories. You can be just as social or antisocial as you want; if you want to be a conference star or the next Neil Degrasse Tyson, you can do it, but if you want to be alone with the secrets of the universe, go for it. They’re yours.

Median Salary: $106,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 10% increase between 2012 and 2022

Related Resources: 

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

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If you find yourself enthralled by the chemicals that surround us and build out everyday objects, as well as the practical challenges of engineering, chemical engineering could be just the path for you! And a master’s is more attainable than ever. Several programs listed below don’t require previous engineering as a background. And many are among the best engineering programs in the nation (with degrees you can take FROM HOME). Check out the 10 best online masters in chemical engineering below today.

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public research institution located in Gainesville. The student population is over 50,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1. UF offers comprehensive degree programming as well as professional certifications. According to the US News and World Report the University of Florida ranks as the 30th best school in the nation as well as highly for value, teaching, business, and engineering programming. UF is a land grant university that has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools SACS. To support student success UF offers academic as well as career counseling. In recent years, UF has expanded their programming to include online offerings. In fact, undergraduate and graduate students as well as those seeking professional certification may follow a course of study entirely online.

One such course is there online public engineering graduate education degree. The US news and world report ranked this program 15th among their top online engineering degree programs. This program is designed for graduate students who are not able to participate in on campus study. This is a non-thesis masters degree that requires 30 credit hours for completion. Students complete 18 credit hours of required core course material as well as six hours of individual work and six hours of supervised research. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. You have three options once pursuing engineering studies online at UF. You may follow their short courses, graduate certificate or their masters degree program. To complete the Masters degree online, students must be accepted to their Master of Science in material science and engineering. For more information and to apply to this program check out their website.

• Program Website

2. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is a public four year institution located in Charlottesville. This is a research institution with very high research activity according to Carnegie. The student population is over 25,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 15 to 1. The university offers bachelors masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Virginia ranks as the 26th best school nation as well as highly for veterans teaching, innovation, business, computer science and undergraduate engineering programming. The University of Virginia is a sea and space grant institution that has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Additionally, the University of Virginia is a world heritage site in the United States. To support student success the institution offers academic as well as career counseling. Additionally in recent years UV has begun to offer online programming for both undergraduate and graduate students as well as those pursuing professional certification.

The University of Virginia offers a masters of chemical engineering online. The master of engineering consists of five core courses in advanced thermodynamics, chemical reaction engineering, transport processes, mass transfer, and techniques for chemical engineering analysis and design. The five elective courses are in the following areas: chemistry polymer engineer in, biomedical engineering, and others. This is a 30 credit hour program 24 credit hours are offered via videoconferencing. Courses in related areas may be taken from other departments at the University of Virginia or transferred from other universities Such as in the areas of mathematics chemistry, material science, nuclear engineering, and others. One course must be an independent research course. For more information about this online program check out their website.

• Program Website

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

Columbia University is a private Ivy League institution located in the city of New York. The university offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The current student enrollment is over 31,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 6 to 1. According to Carnegie Columbia University is a research institution with a very high research activity. According to the US news and world report Columbia University ranks as the third best university in the nation as well as highly for a wide range of things including teaching, innovation, value computer science and undergraduate engineering programming. Columbia is a space grants university with one of the largest endowments among any academic institution in the world.The institution has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1921. To support student success the institution offers academic support as well as online offerings.

Among their online offerings is the online masters in chemical engineering. This is a 30 credit hour program that is divided into two main component parts, core courses and elective courses. The core courses include mathematical methods in chemical engineering, transport phenomena, statistical mechanics or advanced chemical engineer in thermodynamics, and advanced chemical kinetics. 18 elective courses are required which will be approved by your advisor. The following industries are related to the degree: pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive, prosthetics, biotechnologies, and more. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Website

4. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California USC is a private institution located in Los Angeles. There are over 48,000 students enrolled and the Senate to faculty ratio is 9 to 1. USC offers bachelors masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. According to the US news and world report USC ranks as the 24th best school in the nation as well as highly for value business and engineering. USC is a private sea grant and space grant institution that has been accredited by the WASC senior college and university commission.In recent years, USC has offered online programming for students pursuing masters degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional certifications. Some of their most popular online degrees are in the fields of health, public administration, library information science, and engineering.

USC offers an online master of science in chemical engineering. The program is offered through the Viterbi school of engineering. If you are interested in a career in one of the following areas than this program might be for you: pharmaceuticals, tissue engineering, oil and gas, commerce, public health agencies, petroleum, minerals and environmental agencies, and others. Students of this program will take a number of fundamental courses in key areas of chemical engineering such as thermodynamics kinetics and reaction engineering applied Mathematics as well as a select number of elective courses to help you expand your knowledge and specialized areas such as materials engineering bio engineering, engineering design, energy engineering, and control management among others. For more information about this online masters degree check out their website.

• Program Website

5. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University NCSU is a public four year institution located in Raleigh. There are over 36,000 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 14 to 1. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as postbaccalaureate certifications. According to the US News and World Report, NCSU ranks as the 80th best school in the nation as well as highly for value veterans, innovation, business programming, computer science, and undergraduate engineer in programming. To support student success the university offers academic and career counseling as well as online programming. In recent years NCSU has offered online programming for masters-seeking students as well as those pursuing professional certification. Their most popular online offerings are in the field of engineering.

NCSU offers an online Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program this program is designed with students for students with an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline. If you were looking to pursue a graduate degree in chemical engineering than this program may be for you. The program itself it’s flexible. Students may earn their online masters degree in 3 to 5 years. As this is a distance program students may choose the path that fits their schedule and this online opportunity offers students the ability to change career paths. Students without a chemical engineering background may apply. Additionally, this program is military friendly. The degree features courses in the following areas: chemical engineering concepts, energy and energy balances, multiphase systems, Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and more. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Website

6. University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago is a public four year institution that enrolls over 30,000 students. The students to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. According to Carnegie the University of Illinois Chicago is a doctoral university was very high research activity. The institution offers bachelors match lawyers bachelors masters I am doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. According to the US news and world report the university of Illinois Chicago ranks as 112 the best school in the nation as well as highly for veterans value and undergraduate engineering programming. The institution has been accredited by the higher learning commission. To support student success the university offers credit for life experiences as well as academic and career counseling and online programming. In fact, UIC offers online degrees for bachelors seeking students as well as master seeking students And those pursuing professional certification.

One such online degree is their online masters in chemical engineering. To be eligible for this program you must have a bachelors degree in an engineering or natural science discipline. Additionally, students should have a GPA of at least 3.0. The degree itself is divided into three main areas: required courses, electives, and research credits for a total of 36 credit hours. The required courses include course material in transport phenomena, thermodynamics, advanced mass transfer, micro hydrodynamics, numerical methods in chemical engineering, and more. Students must also complete a thesis project. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Website

7. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of science and technology is a public four your institution located in Rolla. The university offers bachelors masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Currently MST enrolls over 8000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1. According to Carnegie, MST is a doctoral University with high Research activity. According to the US news and world report MST ranks of the 176th best school in the nation and highly for business, veterans, and undergraduate engineering programming. To support their student success the university offers academic and career counseling as well as dualcredits and online offerings program. In fact, in recent years MST has offered a number of online masters degrees as well as professional certifications.

MST offers a Master of Science in environmental engineering. To enter this program you must have a degree in engineering from an accredited university as well as an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. According to their website, the environmental engineering graduate degree incorporates chemical characteristics as well as biological and physical characteristics of engineered environmental systems. The engineering solutions are then placed into a context of societal needs. Additionally students may complete the Geoenvironmental engineer graduate certificate. This program includes course curricular material in structural analysis, building analysis and design, structural dynamics, geotechnical earthquake engineering, and much more.

• Program Website

8. Lehigh University

Lehigh University is a private institution located in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. There are over 6000 students enrolled and a student to faculty ratio is 9 to 1. Leigh University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The university has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and it’s classified as a doctoral University with high research activity. According to the US news and world report, Lehigh University ranks as the 49th best full on the nation and also highly for undergraduate teaching, value, innovation, undergraduate engineering, computer science, and more. To support student success Lehigh University offers academic and career counseling as well as online programming. In fact, Lehigh University offers online masters in doctoral degrees.

Among their online offerings of the online masters in chemical engineering. In fact, the chemical and biomolecular engineer program is one of the oldest degree programs at Lehigh University and was established in 1903. This is 30 credit hour program that is divided into three main areas, 18 hours of coursework, 18 hours of fieldwork and 15 hours of 400 level coursework in the field of chemical engineering. Some of the core courses include: Chemical engineer in Thermo dynamics, transport processes, chemical reaction engineering, and mathematics methods and chemical engineering. The electives offer students the opportunity to focus on various specializations including in polymer science and bio technology, process control, mass transfer, semiconductor materials processing, and much more. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

9. Villanova University

Villanova university is a private four year institution located in Villanova Pennsylvania. The university offers associate through doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. Currently the student enrollment is over 10,000 and the students to faculty ratio is 11 to 1. According to Carnegie Villanova University is a Doctoral University with high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks Villanova University as the 53rd best school in the nation as well as highly for value, undergraduate teaching, engineering, business and more. To support success of their students the University offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities. In fact, students may pursue an online degree at the undergraduate and graduate level. Some of their most popular online offerings are in the fields of business health and engineering.

Villanova University offers a Master of Science in chemical engineering. This is a 30 credit hour program that requires 10 courses to complete. Three courses are required courses and five are elective courses. Additionally five courses are generally selected from among all CHE offerings. Six credit hours may be used for independent study or a thesis project. The required courses are in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical kinetics and catalysis. For those who do not have an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering you will be required to complete 36 credit hours. All students no matter what their background must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. If you have a bachelors degree in another biological or physical science and you must have a minimum GPA of 3.25. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

10. Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a public four-year institution located in Manhattan Kansas. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Their current student population is over 21,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. According to Carnegie, Kansas State is a doctoral university with very high research activity. To support their student success the university offers a range of student services including academic and career counseling as well as advanced placement credits and dual credits. According to the US News and World Report Kansas State University ranks as the 170th best school in the nation as well as highly for computer science, business, and undergraduate engineering programming. In recent years, Kansas state has begun to offer online programming for undergraduate as well as graduate seeking students. Additionally students returning to school for professional certifications may complete these programs online.

Amongst their online offerings as their chemical engineering masters degree. This is a 30 credit hour program which may be completed entirely online. The program is actually designed for working professionals with working professionals in mind. This program seeks to address societies challenges with regards to sustainable energy chemicals in the environment. The curriculum focuses on chemical engineering analysis, engineering thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and hazardous waste engineering as well as sustainability and more. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

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Nearly every container in every grocery store comes with a compelling story. From almost completely unprocessed greens from down the street, to highly processed food products that have a shelf life of 50 years, food scientists likely helped with some portion of this process.

The stories behind even our most common foods are almost unbelievable. When you think about how humans originally learned what was edible and not — largely through trial and error — it’s no wonder that even with today’s scientific advancements determining what goes into our food is an intricate process.

Accounting for shelf life, nutritional value, price, availability of ingredients, and consumer tastes is quite a balancing act. If that seems interesting to you, you may be interested in food science.

Food science is a unique discipline, in that it’s not a particularly common degree. You’ll meet plenty of second-year college students majoring in psychology or religion before you’ll meet someone into food sciences. And yet the act of determining how our food “works” is essential to a functioning society.

Food science is a multidisciplinary field that draws from a range of academic topics. Combined into food science are chemical engineering, biology, biochemistry, nutrition, marketing, and logistics. As one may expect, it takes a number of years to hone the prerequisite skills to be a food scientist. Below we’ll work through the steps you should take if you want to pursue the field of food science in academic and then in work settings

Table of Contents:

• What Food Science Degrees Are Available?
• Can I Pursue a Food Science Degree Online?
• How Do I Gain Admission to a Food Science Degree Program?
• Differences Between Food Science and Related Degrees
• What Can I Do With a Degree in Food Science?

Don’t see what you’re looking for in this guide? Be sure to check out some of DegreeQuery’s coverage of topics related to Food Science:
Related Content

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• What is a Degree in Nutrition?
• What Degree do I Need to be a Microbiologist?
• What Degree do I Need to be a Dietician?
• What are the Benefits in a Chemical Engineering Degree Versus a Chemistry Degree?
• What Degree Do I Need to Be an Organic Chemist?
• What Degree Do I Need to be an Agricultural Engineer?

What Food Science Degrees Are Available?

Food science degrees are available at the associates through doctoral levels. Additionally, a wide range of certification programs can help students who have pursued another science discipline in their undergraduate study gain some graduate-level experience in the discipline.

At the associates level, food science degrees are primarily a preparation for further education as well as a way to gain promotions within the food service industry.

These degrees typically require 60 credit hours for completion, and are commonly completed in 1.5-3 years depending on what rate it which you work through the degree.

General education requirements for food science associates degrees are typical of associates-level schooling and require some courses in the following:

• Writing
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Mathematics
• English
• And a Foreign Language

As students progress through “gen-ed” courses, major courses begin to show up. At the associates level, food science courses center around some basic college level understanding of related natural sciences and applied skills for the food service or preparation industries.

Common courses that are includes in associates in food science degrees include:

• Biology
• Chemistry I and II
• Organic Chemistry I and II
• Food Science Intro
• Intro to Nutrition
• Statistics
• Physics for Scientists and Engineers

Due to the applied and career-centered nature of associates in food science degrees, these degrees are also commonly called associates in food technology degrees as well.

Outside of service industries, the lowest degree level that you can typically gain employment within food science with is that of a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s in food science degrees typically require 4 years and 120 credits for graduation. Students within a bachelor’s in food science program will take many of the same general education requirements as are noted above in the associate’s degree section.

Major courses within bachelor’s degrees in food science offer a great deal more diversity than in their 2-year degree counterpart. Some of the most common bachelor’s-level courses in food science include:

• Biology
• Chemistry I and II
• Organic Chemistry I and II
• Food Science Intro
• Food Processing
• Professional Food Science Prep
• Food Science
• Food Microbiology
• Intro to Nutrition
• Fundamentals of Nutrition
• Food Chemistry
• Food Production Quality Assurance
• Product Development in Food Production

Within food science degree programs, bachelor’s programs at times offer different specializations. These may include:

• Food product production
• Food industry and technology
• And food operations and business

While bachelor’s degrees in food science can be used to ascend the corporate ladder within food production businesses, master’s in food science are the primary entry point degree for scientific and research roles. If you’re seeking to truly push the envelope with the development of new food products, a master’s (or more) may be the right degree for you.

Typically master’s degrees in food science come in two forms. One involves a stand alone “terminal” master’s program. This degree type requires 2-3 years to complete. An “en route” master’s degree, however, is part of a longer Ph.D. program. In this second program type, students are awarded their master’s degree as part of a longer Ph.D. program and receive their master’s somewhere in the middle of the program.

For terminal master’s in food science, a wider range of specializations are available than at the bachelor’s level. Some courses are common across programs and specializations, however. Some of these courses include:

• Food microbiology
• HACCP Principles
• Quality Assurance With Food Products
• Science Writing
• Analysis of Foods
• Advanced Chemistry of Foods
• Food Science Seminar
• Analysis and Regression of Variance

Finally, the highest degree available to food science students is that of a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in food science. These research doctorates typically require 4-6 years for completion, depending on whether you enter the program with a master’s degree and how long your dissertation requires.
As with other research doctorates, students are required to complete a substantial amount of research that provides an original contribution to their field of study. Most commonly this research takes the form of a dissertation. Dissertations are research documents that are often several hundred pages in length. At the end of the dissertation writing process, students are required to “defend” their dissertation in front of a panel of experts. In theory, dissertations should be of a quality such that they could be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Can I Pursue a Food Science Degree Online?

Depending on the focus of the food science program you are pursuing, there are a number of online options within the discipline.

Business and operations-heavy food science programs are regularly offered online. Science-heavy food science programs may be offered in hybrid formats in which students may take some courses online and some in-person. Though courses with many lab components among science classes are seldom 100% online.

If you’re trying to find an online program that’s a good fit for you, be sure to look through all of your options. For students that have never taken an online course, it can be valuable to read through some of the most common good and bad things about online programs.

Some of the most commonly cited negative aspects of online programs include less support services, the need for a self-starter mentality, and greater difficulty crafting meaningful relationships with classmates and professors.

Some of the most commonly mentioned positive aspects of online programs include lower fees, no need to move or switch jobs, the same degree earned, and the ability to log on whenever for asynchronous courses.

How Do I Gain Admission to a Food Science Degree Program?

Admissions criteria to food science degree programs depends on the level of degree you are seeking.

For associates-level food science programs offered at community colleges, many programs offer “open admission.” This means that all students with a high school equivalent are granted entry to the program. Though these students must maintain certain grade standards to remain in the program.

For bachelor’s-level food science programs, many schools require college admissions tests like the ACT or SAT, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. Some bachelor’s-level programs also offer open admission policies. And for students looking to avoid having to submit standardized test scores, more schools than ever have alternative routes to admission.

For master’s-level food science programs, admissions depend on whether you are pursuing a research or career-centered degree. Research-centered degrees typically require you to identify a faculty member you would like to oversee your research. Faculty members commonly just take a handful of research students each semester, so make sure to reach out in advance. For career-centered (often terminal) master’s, admissions are more likely contingent on GRE scores, a statement of purpose, a resume, and letters of recommendation.

Ph.D.-level food science programs are likely to require some experience in the field, as well as a wider range of prerequisites. Those with bachelor’s in natural sciences or a master’s in food sciences should be well equipped to jump into Ph.D. programs. As a large portion of your program will be centered on research, you’ll need to identify a professor you would like to oversee your research. Be sure to reach out to professors of interest in advance to ensure your research interests align.

Differences Between Food Science and Related Degrees

Food science degrees are built around the unique demands of food manufacturers, food testing facilities, and a myriad of other food product makers. While there are degrees that deal with the sciences underlying food science, and degrees dealing with food in some other way, there isn’t truly a substitute for a food science degree if you’re seeking to work as a food scientist.

With that said, work in food science fields does vary from laboratory work, to logistical analysis, to other business concerns. In this light, you can work in tandem with food scientists with degrees in business and agriculture.

Additionally, food science relies on a number of natural sciences. Those with master’s or doctorates in the following discipines may find themselves hired on in food science settings, but may require some niche-specific education to catch up with all the demands within food science:

• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Biological Engineering
• Biology
• Physics
• Crop Science

While food scientists are trained in nutrition to some degree, food science work settings also often employ those who are more specialized in nutrition. In this sense, most major food producers employ nutritionists alongside food scientists.

With all of that said, food scientists are meant to be generalists that understanding enough of a range of sciences to be able to balance the many concerns that go into creating new food products. In this sense, there isn’t truly a replacement degree for food science.

What Can I Do With a Degree in Food Science?

There are a variety of fields you can enter with a food science degree, depending on the degree level you have acquired.

Associates-level graduates in food science are well equipped to advance within food service or logistics industries. Graduates of these programs aren’t truly equipped for lab settings of major food producers, but jobs including restaurant manager and logistics manager are within reach.

Restaurant managers wear many hats, a fact that food science degrees prepare them for well. Common job duties bridge the gap between logistics, marketing, human resources, safety and food preparation assurance, customer service, and accounting. While devoted service industry employees can make a good living being restaurant managers, hours can be long and unpredictable.

The average salary for restaurant managers is presently $53474. This number varies greatly depending on the type or restaurant and location, however.

Logistics are at the heart of both the production of and eventual sales of food products. What’s more, many foods have very specific needs when they or the raw materials they’re made with are transported and stored. This is where knowledge of food handling, storage, and presentation can come in handy within an otherwise logistics-centered role.

Though the pay of logistic managers varies greatly by field and level of seniority, the average pay for this position is $110,157.

At the bachelor’s level, food science graduates can begin as entry-level analysts within food product business and agencies. While science-related courses from a bachelor’s degree likely won’t let you ascend to a full-blown food scientist position, many bachelor’s-degree holders advance into managerial ranks within food production businesses.

Project managers within food production companies and organizations are commonly tasked with managing a small team (3-10 employees) in an effort to create or maintain a single product. Excellent project managers are good at dealing with a variety of stakeholders and also hold some scientific or technical knowledge of the work their organization is completing. For this reason, bachelor’s-holders in food science are a great fit.

The average salary for project managers across all fields is $133,933, though this number can vary significantly across industries.

For those with a master’s or doctoral degree in food science, options get a little more interesting. Besides being qualified for all of the job titles previously listed, graduate-level degree recipients in food science can find employment as food scientists and business specialists within food science.

While bachelor’s degrees in food science set you up for a lifetime of learning and to enter the field of food production, a graduate degree will help you to become an “expert” at one element within food production. Food scientists have not only been introduced to a wide range of disciplines, but regularly employ them in the following job requirements.

Food scientists are responsible for:

• Evaluations of nutritional content, texture, taste, and color of food products
• Making sure that food production methods are in-line with governmental, industry, and consumer expectations
• The exploration of alternative and new food production methods
• The development of new food products
• Testing for safety of food products in regards to bacteria, mold, or yeast overgrowth
• Working with biologists, chemists, and marketing leaders within your food production business
• Establishing cost and time-saving methods for the production of food products

In the end, food scientists are the heart of the creation and honing of new food products. Behind every massively distributed food product there is likely a team of food scientists. The average salary for food science positions is presently $70,765, though depending on seniority and assignment these numbers may rise above $100,000.

Finally, food production industry business specialists work in a variety of business disciplines. There are unique marketing, logistics, production, and economics positions within food production. With many food products relying on global supply change, proprietary production methods, and huge marketing efforts, food is big business!

While your final salary will vary based seniority as well as what food production company you’re employed at, some industry average salaries are listed below:

• Logistics manager: $110,157
• Marketing manager: $145,620
• Product manager: $91,781

Think you’re interested in a food science degree? Be sure to check out some of DegreeQuery’s related content including commonly asked questions, guides on how to succeed at different degree levels, and rankings of some of the best programs available below:

Related Resources: 

• What Can I Do With a Degree in Nutrition?
• What Degree do I Need to be a Microbiologist?
• What Degree do I Need to be a Dietician?
• What are the Benefits in a Chemical Engineering Degree Versus a Chemistry Degree?
• What Degree Do I Need to be an Agricultural Engineer?

For Further Reading: 

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

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In fact, industrial engineering is sort of like engineering, well, engineering. These engineers apply the applied scientific mindsets of engineering to complex processes, systems and organizations. What other engineers and managers build, you fine tune. And you can focus on human processes as well as the creation of physical goods. For the right person, industrial engineering just makes sense. And a bachelor’s is the de facto entry-level degree to get into the field. Check out 10 programs you can pursue from the comfort of your own home below!

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public research institution located in Gainesville. The student population is over 50,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1. UF offers comprehensive degree programming as well as professional certifications. According to the US News and World Report the University of Florida ranks as the 30th best school in the nation as well as highly for value, teaching, business, and engineering programming. UF is a land grant university that has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools SACS. To support student success UF offers academic as well as career counseling. In recent years, UF has expanded their programming to include online offerings. In fact, undergraduate and graduate students as well as those seeking professional certification may follow a course of study entirely online.

One such course is there online public engineering graduate education degree. The US news and world report ranked this program 15th among their top online engineering degree programs. This program is designed for graduate students who are not able to participate in on campus study. This is a non-thesis masters degree that requires 30 credit hours for completion. Students complete 18 credit hours of required core course material as well as six hours of individual work and six hours of supervised research. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. You have three options once pursuing engineering studies online at UF. You may follow their short courses, graduate certificate or their masters degree program. To complete the Masters degree online, students must be accepted to their Master of Science in material science and engineering. For more information and to apply to this program check out their website.

• Program Website

2. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is a public four year institution located in Charlottesville. This is a research institution with very high research activity according to Carnegie. The student population is over 25,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 15 to 1. The university offers bachelors masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Virginia ranks as the 26th best school nation as well as highly for veterans teaching, innovation, business, computer science and undergraduate engineering programming. The University of Virginia is a sea and space grant institution that has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Additionally, the University of Virginia is a world heritage site in the United States. To support student success the institution offers academic as well as career counseling. Additionally in recent years UV has begun to offer online programming for both undergraduate and graduate students as well as those pursuing professional certification.

The University of Virginia offers a masters of chemical engineering online. The master of engineering consists of five core courses in advanced thermodynamics, chemical reaction engineering, transport processes, mass transfer, and techniques for chemical engineering analysis and design. The five elective courses are in the following areas: chemistry polymer engineer in, biomedical engineering, and others. This is a 30 credit hour program 24 credit hours are offered via videoconferencing. Courses in related areas may be taken from other departments at the University of Virginia or transferred from other universities Such as in the areas of mathematics chemistry, material science, nuclear engineering, and others. One course must be an independent research course. For more information about this online program check out their website.

• Program Website

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

Columbia University is a private Ivy League institution located in the city of New York. The university offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The current student enrollment is over 31,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 6 to 1. According to Carnegie Columbia University is a research institution with a very high research activity. According to the US news and world report Columbia University ranks as the third best university in the nation as well as highly for a wide range of things including teaching, innovation, value computer science and undergraduate engineering programming. Columbia is a space grants university with one of the largest endowments among any academic institution in the world.The institution has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1921. To support student success the institution offers academic support as well as online offerings.

Among their online offerings is the online masters in chemical engineering. This is a 30 credit hour program that is divided into two main component parts, core courses and elective courses. The core courses include mathematical methods in chemical engineering, transport phenomena, statistical mechanics or advanced chemical engineer in thermodynamics, and advanced chemical kinetics. 18 elective courses are required which will be approved by your advisor. The following industries are related to the degree: pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive, prosthetics, biotechnologies, and more. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Website

4. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California USC is a private institution located in Los Angeles. There are over 48,000 students enrolled and the Senate to faculty ratio is 9 to 1. USC offers bachelors masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. According to the US news and world report USC ranks as the 24th best school in the nation as well as highly for value business and engineering. USC is a private sea grant and space grant institution that has been accredited by the WASC senior college and university commission.In recent years, USC has offered online programming for students pursuing masters degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional certifications. Some of their most popular online degrees are in the fields of health, public administration, library information science, and engineering.

USC offers an online master of science in chemical engineering. The program is offered through the Viterbi school of engineering. If you are interested in a career in one of the following areas than this program might be for you: pharmaceuticals, tissue engineering, oil and gas, commerce, public health agencies, petroleum, minerals and environmental agencies, and others. Students of this program will take a number of fundamental courses in key areas of chemical engineering such as thermodynamics kinetics and reaction engineering applied Mathematics as well as a select number of elective courses to help you expand your knowledge and specialized areas such as materials engineering bio engineering, engineering design, energy engineering, and control management among others. For more information about this online masters degree check out their website.

• Program Website

5. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University NCSU is a public four year institution located in Raleigh. There are over 36,000 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 14 to 1. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as postbaccalaureate certifications. According to the US News and World Report, NCSU ranks as the 80th best school in the nation as well as highly for value veterans, innovation, business programming, computer science, and undergraduate engineer in programming. To support student success the university offers academic and career counseling as well as online programming. In recent years NCSU has offered online programming for masters-seeking students as well as those pursuing professional certification. Their most popular online offerings are in the field of engineering.

NCSU offers an online Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program this program is designed with students for students with an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline. If you were looking to pursue a graduate degree in chemical engineering than this program may be for you. The program itself it’s flexible. Students may earn their online masters degree in 3 to 5 years. As this is a distance program students may choose the path that fits their schedule and this online opportunity offers students the ability to change career paths. Students without a chemical engineering background may apply. Additionally, this program is military friendly. The degree features courses in the following areas: chemical engineering concepts, energy and energy balances, multiphase systems, Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and more. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Website

6. University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago is a public four year institution that enrolls over 30,000 students. The students to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. According to Carnegie the University of Illinois Chicago is a doctoral university was very high research activity. The institution offers bachelors match lawyers bachelors masters I am doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. According to the US news and world report the university of Illinois Chicago ranks as 112 the best school in the nation as well as highly for veterans value and undergraduate engineering programming. The institution has been accredited by the higher learning commission. To support student success the university offers credit for life experiences as well as academic and career counseling and online programming. In fact, UIC offers online degrees for bachelors seeking students as well as master seeking students And those pursuing professional certification.

One such online degree is their online masters in chemical engineering. To be eligible for this program you must have a bachelors degree in an engineering or natural science discipline. Additionally, students should have a GPA of at least 3.0. The degree itself is divided into three main areas: required courses, electives, and research credits for a total of 36 credit hours. The required courses include course material in transport phenomena, thermodynamics, advanced mass transfer, micro hydrodynamics, numerical methods in chemical engineering, and more. Students must also complete a thesis project. For more information about this program check out their website.

• Program Website

7. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of science and technology is a public four your institution located in Rolla. The university offers bachelors masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Currently MST enrolls over 8000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 18 to 1. According to Carnegie, MST is a doctoral University with high Research activity. According to the US news and world report MST ranks of the 176th best school in the nation and highly for business, veterans, and undergraduate engineering programming. To support their student success the university offers academic and career counseling as well as dualcredits and online offerings program. In fact, in recent years MST has offered a number of online masters degrees as well as professional certifications.

MST offers a Master of Science in environmental engineering. To enter this program you must have a degree in engineering from an accredited university as well as an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. According to their website, the environmental engineering graduate degree incorporates chemical characteristics as well as biological and physical characteristics of engineered environmental systems. The engineering solutions are then placed into a context of societal needs. Additionally students may complete the Geoenvironmental engineer graduate certificate. This program includes course curricular material in structural analysis, building analysis and design, structural dynamics, geotechnical earthquake engineering, and much more.

• Program Website

8. Lehigh University

Lehigh University is a private institution located in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. There are over 6000 students enrolled and a student to faculty ratio is 9 to 1. Leigh University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. The university has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and it’s classified as a doctoral University with high research activity. According to the US news and world report, Lehigh University ranks as the 49th best full on the nation and also highly for undergraduate teaching, value, innovation, undergraduate engineering, computer science, and more. To support student success Lehigh University offers academic and career counseling as well as online programming. In fact, Lehigh University offers online masters in doctoral degrees.

Among their online offerings of the online masters in chemical engineering. In fact, the chemical and biomolecular engineer program is one of the oldest degree programs at Lehigh University and was established in 1903. This is 30 credit hour program that is divided into three main areas, 18 hours of coursework, 18 hours of fieldwork and 15 hours of 400 level coursework in the field of chemical engineering. Some of the core courses include: Chemical engineer in Thermo dynamics, transport processes, chemical reaction engineering, and mathematics methods and chemical engineering. The electives offer students the opportunity to focus on various specializations including in polymer science and bio technology, process control, mass transfer, semiconductor materials processing, and much more. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

9. Villanova University

Villanova university is a private four year institution located in Villanova Pennsylvania. The university offers associate through doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. Currently the student enrollment is over 10,000 and the students to faculty ratio is 11 to 1. According to Carnegie Villanova University is a Doctoral University with high research activity. The US News and World Report ranks Villanova University as the 53rd best school in the nation as well as highly for value, undergraduate teaching, engineering, business and more. To support success of their students the University offers academic and career counseling as well as distance learning opportunities. In fact, students may pursue an online degree at the undergraduate and graduate level. Some of their most popular online offerings are in the fields of business health and engineering.

Villanova University offers a Master of Science in chemical engineering. This is a 30 credit hour program that requires 10 courses to complete. Three courses are required courses and five are elective courses. Additionally five courses are generally selected from among all CHE offerings. Six credit hours may be used for independent study or a thesis project. The required courses are in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical kinetics and catalysis. For those who do not have an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering you will be required to complete 36 credit hours. All students no matter what their background must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. If you have a bachelors degree in another biological or physical science and you must have a minimum GPA of 3.25. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

10. Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a public four-year institution located in Manhattan Kansas. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Their current student population is over 21,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. According to Carnegie, Kansas State is a doctoral university with very high research activity. To support their student success the university offers a range of student services including academic and career counseling as well as advanced placement credits and dual credits. According to the US News and World Report Kansas State University ranks as the 170th best school in the nation as well as highly for computer science, business, and undergraduate engineering programming. In recent years, Kansas state has begun to offer online programming for undergraduate as well as graduate seeking students. Additionally students returning to school for professional certifications may complete these programs online.

Amongst their online offerings as their chemical engineering masters degree. This is a 30 credit hour program which may be completed entirely online. The program is actually designed for working professionals with working professionals in mind. This program seeks to address societies challenges with regards to sustainable energy chemicals in the environment. The curriculum focuses on chemical engineering analysis, engineering thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and hazardous waste engineering as well as sustainability and more. For more information and to apply check out their website.

• Program Website

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

What Are the Highest Paying Manager Jobs?

The best management jobs – that is, the ones that pay the highest average salaries – aren’t easy, either to attain or to do. Most of the highest-paid manager jobs require a combination of formal education and years of experience. Holding the highest-paying business management positions can be stressful at times. You may be responsible for supervising personnel, guiding the direction of an organization or managing complex projects.

RELATED: What Are the Highest-Paying Business Entry-Level Jobs?

Average salary for manager positions depends on the level of role they hold, the specific duties they perform and the company and industry for which managers work. By median salary, the top-paying management jobs include the following.

1. Chief Executive Officer

If you really want to be the boss – not just a boss ­– then top executive is the career for you. These management professionals are personally in charge of making sure an organization achieves its goals.

What a Top Executive Does

As the name suggests, top executives are the managers at the top of a company. Given their senior-level status and big responsibilities, it’s no surprise that these top management jobs are also the best-paying manager jobs out there.

A chief executive officer sets goals and procedures for a variety of departments within the company. They decide which personnel will lead those departments. Depending on their position, chief executives may monitor finances and budgets, analyze statements to assess performance and determine ways to decrease costs.

Top executive roles take many forms. In most businesses and organizations, chief executive officers (CEOs) include job titles like the following:

• President
• Vice president
• Executive director
• Chief financial officer (CFO)
• Chief information officer (CIO)
• Chief operating officer (COO)
• Chief sustainability officer

At schools, top executives include superintendents and college presidents. Even cities and states have top executives. The top executives in these environments are known as city managers, county administrators, mayors and governors.

Chief executives are generally more concerned with big-picture strategy than day-to-day operations. In other top executive jobs, like operations manager and general manager, however, the manager would spend much of their time handling daily operations and administrative duties. General and operations managers handle many different administration and management duties.

RELATED: Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math

How Much a Top Executive Makes

Which top executive role you work in can make a huge difference in your pay rate. The median annual salary the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported for chief executive officers as of 2022 was $189,520 per year. The highest-paid 10% of chief executives in America make more than $239,200.

The manufacturing industry is the major employment industry that pays chief executives the most. The median annual salary for chief executives in this industry was $231,640 as of 2022. Chief executives in the professional, scientific and technical services industry also made a median wage above $200,000.

General and operations managers, the other top executives, made considerably less than their C-suite counterparts. Still, the $98,100 median annual salary far outstrips the median wage for all occupations as of 2022. The professional, scientific and technical services industry paid the best for these roles, with a median salary of $131,970.

Becoming a Top Executive

There’s no quick or easy route to a top executive role. A given company or organization only needs so many top executives, and the competition for these high-paying roles is fierce. You are likely to need some combination of education, experience and an exceptional reputation if you want to become a chief executive.

Many top executives start from the bottom and gradually advance through the ranks within their organization. Others develop their management skills and cultivate enough experience to get hired from outside the organization. Either way, you need to work hard and prove that you’re the best at what you do to cultivate the kind of reputation that gets you considered for chief executive positions.

In addition to gaining experience in management roles, candidates for top executive positions must develop excellent communication skills and leadership abilities. They need to become proficient – and confident – in making decisions and solving problems.

2. Computer and Information Systems Manager

If you want to work in technology, a career as a computer and information systems manager will allow you to make great money in a field you love. This is one of the best manager jobs in the tech field.

What a Computer and Information Systems Manager Does

Nearly all businesses and organizations today rely on computers to handle some aspect of their work. Computer and information systems managers play a crucial role in an organization’s computer systems.

Computer and information systems managers are sometimes called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers. These professionals are responsible for figuring out what computer and IT professionals the organization needs on staff. They oversee the work of other IT professionals. Computer and information systems managers also manage the organization’s computer systems and technology. When its time to put in place new systems and technologies, computer and information systems managers are responsible for tasks like the following:

• Planning
• Installation
• Implementation
• Upgrades
• Security measures

The responsibilities of specific computer and information systems managers depend on their exact job titles, in addition to other factors.

For example, C-suite computer and information systems managers include chief information officers (CIOs) and chief technology officers (CTOs). A chief information officer will devote most of their time to devising the organization’s technology strategy. A chief technology officer will focus more on what new technology can do for the organization.

At a somewhat less senior-level of management are IT directors. IT directors lead IT departments. They often serve as the immediate supervisors for the organization’s IT personnel. IT security managers, on the other hand, focus more on the organization’s information security policies and safety measures designed to thwart a security threat.

How Much a Computer and Information Systems Manager Makes

Computer and information systems managers earned a median salary of $164,070 as of 2022, according to the BLS. The best-paid 10% of the IT manager field earned more than $239,200. All of the top five industries of employment report median annual salaries between $165,000 and $175,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The information industry paid the best, with a median annual salary of $173,540.

Becoming a Computer and Information Systems Manager

If you want to become a computer and information systems manager, you will need a strong background in computer technology. Usually, this means a formal college degree, at least at the undergraduate level. Prospective IT managers often pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science. This education provides you with the technical skills for the role, but you need more than just tech knowledge to be a good manager. Gaining some knowledge of the business world is valuable if you want to become an expert in business applications of technology. Stacking a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree on top of your computer science undergraduate degree can help prove your capabilities.

3. Architectural and Engineering Manager

Another of the highest-paying management jobs is architectural and engineering manager. A lot of work goes into engineering and architecture projects, and someone has to oversee this work and supervise those who undertake it. That someone is an architectural or engineering manager.

What an Architectural and Engineering Manager Does

On any architectural or engineering project, there are various team members with different skill sets to hire and oversee. There are schedules to coordinate and budgets to set and follow. Without doing this work, projects won’t get done correctly, on time or within budget. Companies in industries like manufacturing and architectural and engineering services rely on experienced professionals to handle these big responsibilities.

As supervisors, architectural and engineering managers naturally oversee their employees, checking not only their work but also their methods. They also handle tasks like determining what materials, equipment and employees they need for a project and coordinating the work of various teams. However, these professionals aren’t completely removed from their engineering and architectural roots. Often, they create the overall concepts and designs for a product or project. They may lead the research and development teams whose findings inform the final design concepts. When problems arise, architectural and engineering managers need to solve them.

How Much an Architectural and Engineering Manager Makes

The median salary the BLS reported for architectural and engineering managers in 2022 was $159,920. The highest-paid 10% of the architectural and engineering manager profession made more than $221,550 per year. The scientific research and development services industry paid architectural and engineering managers the best, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual salary of $175,670. The management of companies and enterprises industry wasn’t far behind, with a median salary of $169,140.

Becoming an Architectural and Engineering Manager

Architectural and engineering managers typically begin their careers as either architects or engineers. They may start in entry-level roles, but they don’t stay there long. They learn as much as they can on the job.

With time, these ambitious architects and engineers take on more and more responsibilities. They step up to solve problems, make decisions, lead teams and work on complex projects. In doing so, they get noticed and develop the skills an architectural or engineering manager needs.

To begin, aspiring architectural and engineering managers need the education that will land them their first job as an architect or engineer. This usually means a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a professional degree in architecture. Graduate school is a common path for aspiring managers in these fields. Depending on your skills and areas of interest, you might pursue one of the following graduate degrees:

• Master’s in Engineering Management
• Master’s in Technology Management
• Master of Business Administration

4. Natural Sciences Manager

Don’t think high-paying management jobs only belong in the business world. If science is your calling, you can put your leadership skills to use as a natural sciences manager.

What a Natural Sciences Manager Does

Natural sciences managers oversee employees, research projects and administrative policies in scientific research capacities. They collaborate with their organization’s senior executives to develop research goals. Then they determine how to best achieve those objectives through actionable steps.

Natural sciences managers figure out what personnel, equipment, materials and training are necessary for a particular project. They are also responsible for establishing a budget for that project. They oversee and assist the scientists and technicians in their research team.

Some natural sciences managers spend all or most of their time on administrative and supervisory duties. Their work keeps them largely out of the lab. Other natural sciences managers, known as working managers, conduct research of their own in addition to overseeing other scientists’ work. Laboratory managers focus particularly on managing the supplies needed for research.

Most natural sciences managers spend years working as scientists – chemists, biologists, physicists – before they advance to the highest-paying business management positions. During their careers, they gradually take on more responsibilities, such as overseeing teams of researchers and guiding the direction of research projects and experiments. The more experience scientists have, the greater their opportunities for independence.

How Much a Natural Sciences Manager Makes

The median salary the BLS reported for natural sciences managers as of 2022 was $144,440. The 10% of natural sciences managers with the highest earnings made more than $239,200. The median wages for natural sciences managers by industry varied considerably. Natural sciences managers in research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences earned a median annual salary of $178,830, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. In the manufacturing industry, the median salary was $170,220.

Becoming a Natural Sciences Manager

Natural sciences managers must have a thorough foundation in their field of science. A scientific background is more important than formal management training or education for these high-paying manager jobs. Prospective natural sciences managers need at least a bachelor’s degree in a field like the following:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Natural science
• Engineering

A bachelor’s degree may be enough to land some entry-level jobs in natural sciences research. However, even for non-managerial roles, you will likely need to advance your education beyond the undergraduate level. Most natural sciences managers have a master’s degree or a PhD. Considerable experience working in laboratory research is also a requirement for most natural sciences manager roles.

5. Marketing Manager

Companies spend a fortune persuading consumers to buy their products or use their services. Marketing managers, another of the highest paying management jobs, play an important role in how companies use this money effectively to make the most sales possible and bring in revenue.

What a Marketing Manager Does

Marketing managers stay abreast of market trends to determine how much demand there is for a product or service and what markets that product might fit into well. A marketing manager uses data from market research surveys to predict who will purchase the product and what price they will be willing to pay.

Of course, marketing managers also perform a number of other job duties. Often, they are even involved in the product development process. They may lead teams of marketing personnel and oversee collaboration between teams of salespeople and public relations staff. In some roles, they may also handle responsibilities such as:

• Developing marketing plans
• Planning promotions or advertising campaigns
• Setting marketing department budgets
• Choosing advertising opportunities
• Negotiating prices

How Much a Marketing Manager Makes

For marketing managers, the BLS reported a 2022 median annual salary of $140,040. The best-paid 10% of the marketing manager profession made upwards of $239,200. The best paying-industries for marketing managers, management of companies and enterprises and finance and insurance, paid median salaries of $162,870 and $161,040, respectively.

Becoming a Marketing Manager

Marketing managers typically start out in lower-level roles in marketing and work their way up. Most marketing managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field like marketing or marketing management.

6. Financial Manager

Another of the highest-paying management jobs is financial manager. Every business and organization needs to be vigilant about its financial health. That’s what makes the work of a financial manager so critical.

What Does a Financial Manager Do?

Financial managers are the professionals who report on current finances, make decisions about investments and establish future goals and strategies. They prepare financial statements, summaries, reports and forecasts of all kinds for many different uses. They also weigh in on the organization’s financial decisions. These decisions include how the company can cut costs, increase profits, expand and acquire other businesses.

Like other types of managers, financial managers oversee lower-level workers. These managers supervise the work of less senior finance employees. Today’s financial managers now spend more of their time analyzing data and using those analyses to advise top-level executives on making financial decisions than they do simply creating reports.

There are several kinds of financial managers:

• Credit managers handle credit and collections.
• Cash managers oversee the organization’s cash flow.
• Risk managers work to minimize the likelihood that the organization will suffer a financial loss.
• Insurance managers decide what kinds of insurance, and how much coverage, is necessary to reduce any such losses.
• Controllers are primarily concerned with generating financial reports, especially special reports for government use.
• Treasurers and finance officers deal with budgets, mergers and investments.

How Much a Financial Manager Makes

The BLS reported a median annual salary of $139,790 for financial managers as of 2022. The highest-paid 10% of financial managers earned more than $239,200. The two top-paying industries, management of companies and enterprises and professional, scientific and technical services, both paid a median wage of more than $164,000 per year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

Becoming a Financial Manager

All kinds of financial managers need plenty of experience in the field. Most financial managers have spent at least five years gaining business and finance experience. Before they advance into a management role, they often start in positions like the following:

• Accountant
• Auditor
• Financial analyst
• Loan officer
• Securities sales agent

Financial managers usually start with a bachelor’s degree in a field like finance, accounting, business administration or accounting. At the graduate level, they may pursue a Master’s in Finance degree or a Master of Business Administration.

7. Sales Manager

You need the right personality to excel in another of the highest-paying management jobs, sales manager. If you enjoy the challenge of sales and the opportunity to motivate others, a career as a sales manager will let you earn a six-figure salary with your natural salesperson personality (and the right education and experience, of course).

What a Sales Manager Does

Industries like retail, wholesale trade, manufacturing and finance and insurance depend on sales managers. Sales managers typically oversee their company’s salespeople and sales strategies.

Sales managers don’t just establish goals for product sales. They also develop the strategies and plans to meet those sales goals. When conflicts arise, they resolve customer complaints.

They hire and train their organization’s sales personnel. Their role is to recruit strong candidates to the sales department and help them to perform at their full potential. Sales manager positions also have a quantitative side, with tasks that include:

• Overseeing budgets
• Establishing quotas and sales goals
• Appointing sales representatives to specific territories
• Analyzing sales data
• Predicting sales volumes and profits

How Much a Sales Manager Makes

A median salary of $130,600 is what makes sales managers one of the highest-paid management jobs. The BLS reported that the highest-paid 10% of sales managers made more than $239,200 as of 2022. The highest-paying jobs for sales managers were in the finance and insurance and the professional, scientific and technical services industry, both of which paid median salaries above $160,000.

Becoming a Sales Manager

Most sales managers have a college degree. Fields like accounting, economics, finance, business management, marketing and math are good majors for aspiring sales managers. However, it’s sales experience that really gives candidates for the highest-paying business management positions a competitive edge. Sales managers typically have at least one to five years of experience as sales representatives, purchasing agents or other similar roles.

8. Human Resources Manager

Next on our list of the highest-paying management jobs is HR manager. Workers play an integral part in every industry. Someone needs to recruit, train and communicate with those workers.

What Human Resources Managers Do

Human resources managers are the professionals who oversee an organization’s use of, and interactions with, employees. They interview job candidates and hire the most qualified workers. Human resources managers strategize to make the best possible use of employees’ skills. To do so, they ensure those employees have the training and tools to succeed. They resolve conflicts between workers and handle disciplinary actions when necessary.

Human resources managers also serve as the point of communication between employees and administration. They have input into organization policies and deliver employee services such as benefits and payroll. A human resources manager’s responsibilities include motivating and retaining great employees.

How Much a Human Resource Manager Makes

HR managers earned a median annual salary of $130,000 in 2022, according to the BLS. The top 10% of earners in the HR manager profession made upwards of $224,360. HR managers in the professional, scientific and technical services industry reported the highest median wage, $153,830, followed by those in the management of companies and enterprises industry, where the median salary was $144,640.

Becoming a Human Resource Manager

HR managers often have a bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration. Graduate-level degrees like an MBA, a Master’s in Human Resources or a Master’s in Labor Relations are also common.

Experience, particularly in leadership roles, is a necessity for high-paying management jobs in a human resources department. Many HR managers begin as human resources or labor relations specialists. Over several years in the field, they develop – and display – the organizational, decision-making and management skills they need to advance to this career.

9. Public Relations Manager

An organization’s image matters – especially when it comes to fundraising for nonprofit organizations. Public relations managers are professionals who strategize how an organization, nonprofit or otherwise, will communicate with members of the public.

What Public Relations Managers Do

Public relations managers oversee the material organizations use to build and improve the public perception of their organization or client. They create content like press releases to get information out to the media and garner media coverage for stories and events.

They act as or designate a spokesperson who will act as the public face and voice of the organization. PR managers work with this spokesperson to provide information and support for media inquiries.

Public relations managers single out the audiences most crucial to the organization’s mission. That may mean choosing a target audience to sell to or potential donors to appeal to for fundraising purposes. They figure out which methods of communication are most likely to be effective at reaching these groups. With this in mind, they plan promotional and advertising campaigns to get their audience’s attention.

Everything a public relations manager does is to improve their organization’s image and public identity. PR managers also supervise the work of other public relations personnel.

In nonprofit organizations, in particular, professionals called fundraising managers play an important part in securing donations, grants and other forms of funding. They plan and implement new strategies to reach their organization’s fundraising objectives. Fundraising managers direct strategies to acquire more funds. They reach out to past donors and new potential donors to ask for contributions. They choose from a variety of fundraising techniques for different fundraising events and campaigns and submit applications for grants from the government and other sources.

How Much a Public Relations Manager Makes

What makes PR manager one of the highest-paying management jobs is its median salary of $129,430. The highest-paid PR managers made more than $239,200 per year as of 2022. Fundraisers make considerably less money, but this can still be a lucrative role. The median annual salary the BLS reported for fundraisers in 2022 was $107,390, and the highest-paid fundraisers made more than $205,230.

Becoming a Public Relations Manager

If your ultimate career goal is to become a public relations and fundraising manager, expect to be in it for the long haul. These professionals usually begin their careers in entry-level public relations specialist or fundraiser positions. A few years of work experience in the field, with increasing responsibilities, may be enough to qualify candidates for lower-level management positions. For roles like public relations director and fundraising director, though, candidates often need a minimum of five to 10 years of relevant work experience.

10. Training and Development Manager

Completing our list of the top 10 highest-paying management jobs is training and development manager. Across all industries, organizations want their workers to be as productive as possible. To perform at their best – and add the most value to their company – employees need the right training and the opportunity to develop their skills.

What Training and Development Managers Do

Training and development managers are the professionals who plan and oversee training opportunities. In addition to supervising lower-level training and development specialists, they determine what training and skills employees need to achieve the company’s goals and create and coordinate those experiences. Part of training and development managers’ job duties is to use resources well. That includes making and sticking to a budget.

Employee training can take many different forms. Training and development managers may be responsible for teaching classes themselves, or they may teach other instructors or managers how to effectively train employees. They acquire training materials from vendors but might also develop their own materials, including online learning materials.

How Much Training and Development Managers Make

Like the other best-paying management jobs, the training and development manager role pays a median wage well over $100,000. The BLS reported the median annual salary for this role as $120,000 as of 2022. The highest earners in this business management profession made more than $210,470 per year.

Becoming a Training and Development Manager

Like other management careers, training and development manager is not an entry-level position. A bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration is helpful, but the degree alone won’t land you this job. You’ll need experience working as a training and development specialist, human resources specialist or teacher. You’ll also need some form of management experience.

Money isn’t everything. You need to consider other factors besides pay when choosing a career. If you have the ambition and leadership skills to manage projects and other workers, though, why not shoot for one of the top 10 highest paying management careers?

Editor’s Note: The source for the employment, education, training and salary information presented in this article is the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While this federal agency is responsible for monitoring the labor market, including the many professions in it, students will find that job requirements, responsibilities and wages differ depending on employer, region and industry. This article is meant as a guide to help students start their own research into potential career paths.

For Further Reading:

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Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

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

How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

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

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