Best Online Degrees Most Likely To Get You a Job

While students earn college degrees for a variety of reasons, one of the most universal is so they can find a job post-graduation. Therefore, when choosing a degree, it’s important to consider the employment outlook for different industries. This will help ensure that you pursue an educational path that will lead to viable post-graduation career opportunities.

This guide identifies 10 of the easiest degrees to get a job with based on projected growth in the field and the level of education required for entry-level positions. Blanca Villagomez, a program coordinator, and counselor at UC-Irvine, also provides her insights into choosing the career that’s right for you, whether online degrees are easier than in-person programs, how employers view online degrees, and ways to prepare for your job search while still in school.

How To Choose the Career That’s Right for You

Before selecting an online degree program, it’s helpful to get clarity on your intended career path, as this will influence what type of postsecondary education you need.

There are many factors to consider when clarifying your career goals, including the employment outlook for any industries and jobs you may want to pursue.

“Choosing a career path is a significant decision that can significantly impact a student’s future financial stability and standard of living,” Villagomez says. “Projected growth and demand in the labor market is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a career path. Certain industries may experience significant growth or decline in the coming years due to technological advancements, economic changes, or shifting consumer preferences.”

Villagomez recommends that students connect with current professionals in their field of interest to gain insight into projected employment rates for specific occupations and hiring trends.

However, students shouldn’t base their decisions entirely on what the easiest degrees to get a job with are. “Ultimately, you’ll need to choose a program that aligns with your interests, budget, and goals,” Villagomez says.

To identify interests, Villagomez recommends taking classes in a variety of subjects to discover what you enjoy and what you’re good at, participating in internships or volunteering to get first-hand experience with a particular job, and networking with professionals in fields that interest you to gain insight and support.

Best Online Degrees Most Likely To Get You a Job

Wind turbine technician

Thanks to the increasing use of wind power as a renewable energy source, employment of wind turbine technicians is expected to grow 44% by 2031, according to the BLS. Wind turbine technicians help with multiple aspects of wind turbine technology, including installation, maintenance, and repair. This is also a good option for students looking to start their careers quickly. Wind turbine technicians can qualify for most jobs with either a postsecondary certificate or an associate degree.

Data scientist

As organizations, governments, and other entities continue to collect and use data to drive decision-making, more data scientists will be needed to mine and analyze this information. The BLS predicts a 36% increase in jobs for data scientists in the coming years, making this a viable career option for math-minded students. Most entry-level data science jobs require a bachelor’s degree in areas such as computer science, mathematics, or statistics.

Information security analyst

Increased cyberattacks and demand for protection from such threats will drive growth in the information security analyst field over the next decade. According to the BLS, there will be about 19,500 job openings for individuals who can monitor computer networks and implement security measures at a variety of companies. To become an information security analyst, students typically need a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information systems security, information technology, or a related field.

Web developer

Behind every great website, there’s a web developer or digital designer creating the website’s interface, design, navigation, functionality, and more. Given the world’s continued demand for digital information and content, it’s unsurprising that the overall employment of web developers and designers is expected to grow 23% by 2031, with the BLS predicting an average of 21,800 new jobs annually. Educational requirements for this career are somewhat flexible. While many employers seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in web development or design, other entry-level positions require only a certificate or an associate degree.

Medical and health services manager

Working in healthcare doesn’t just mean becoming a nurse or doctor. A medical and health services manager is an administrative role that oversees the business activities of healthcare providers, including developing goals and strategies, budgeting, staff recruitment and training, and compliance with laws and regulations. According to the BLS, employment for medical and health services managers is expected to grow by 28% through 2031. For most entry-level jobs, students need a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management or healthcare administration, although some roles are open to students with an associate degree. Leadership roles may require an advanced degree, such as a master’s in healthcare administration or an MBA.

Logistician

Individuals with strong organizational, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills may want to consider a career as a logistician. This position oversees an organization’s supply chain, making sure that products move from suppliers to consumers in an efficient, cost-effective, and reliable way. E-commerce and the complexities of quickly moving goods around the world will drive demand for logisticians over the next decade, with about 24,800 new jobs expected annually through 2031. The educational requirements for logisticians vary. For some roles, an associate degree is sufficient, while others seek candidates with bachelor’s degrees. Management roles often require an advanced degree, such as a master’s or MBA.

Physical therapy assistant

Physical therapy assistants and aides work under the direction of physical therapists to help patients recovering from injuries and illnesses regain their mobility and manage pain. While they often work directly with patients, other responsibilities may include clerical and housekeeping tasks. The aging baby-boomer population is expected to be a key driver in the need for more physical therapy assistants, with the BLS predicting a 24% increase in employment through 2031. The minimum education requirement for a physical therapy assistant is typically an associate degree, making this an ideal career option for individuals looking to enter the workforce sooner rather than later.

Actuaries

If working with numbers and money sounds appealing, consider a career as an actuary. These individuals analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory. Actuaries mainly work in the insurance industry, although other sectors like government and professional services companies also employ actuaries. Employment of actuaries is expected to increase by 21% through 2031, according to the BLS. This is typically a bachelor’s-level entry field, with students needing a business, mathematics, or statistics background.

Market research analyst

Market research analysts are responsible for studying consumer preferences and business conditions and using this information to help companies understand what products people want and how to sell them. With more companies using data and market research to make decisions, the need for market research analysts is increasing. The BLS predicts about 99,800 new openings for market research analysts every year through 2031. Employers typically seek candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, internet marketing, or communications.

Financial managers

Financial managers work across industries to ensure the financial health of organizations by creating financial reports, directing investment opportunities, and developing plans for long-term financial goals for their organizations. Employment projections for this career are strong, with the BLS predicting about 71,300 job openings annually through 2031. A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or economics is typically required for entry-level positions.

Is Earning a Degree Online Easier Than Attending School In Person?

Attending college from your sofa or bed may give the impression that it’s easier to earn a degree online than in-person, but that’s not always the case.

Most online programs have the same learning objectives and same curriculums as in-person programs, so students should expect the same academic rigor, regardless of where they’re learning. Students may also face challenges adapting to the differences between brick-and-mortar classrooms and remote learning environments.

“Online programs often require independent work and strong time management skills, which can be challenging for some students,” Villagomez says. “I also often see students feeling disengaged or unmotivated in an online learning environment. Eliminating face-to-face interactions can alleviate the pressure for some students, but others still need the socialization aspect.”

However, there are ways to overcome these obstacles. “If students are struggling with a lack of structure, I recommend they create their own routines, and block out specific times to watch recorded lectures, complete assignments and study,” Villagomez says. Meanwhile, she suggests studying in public places such as a library, coffee shop, or coworking space for students who thrive in more social learning environments.

Villagomez also points out that there are many advantages to online learning that can make it easier for students to earn their degrees.

“Online degree programs offer flexibility, convenience, and accessibility that traditional in-person programs may not, allowing students to balance responsibilities,” she says. “They also greatly reduce commute time and often allow students to complete coursework at their own pace. These factors can yield higher satisfaction, engagement, and retention rates.”

How To Succeed in an Online Degree Program

Even if an online degree program isn’t as easy as anticipated, students can still succeed and have a positive learning experience.

According to Villagomez, one of the key steps to succeeding in an online degree program is creating a consistent schedule. “Identify the best times for attending classes, completing coursework, and studying, while taking into account other responsibilities,” she says.

“To stay on track, set realistic goals for each week and term, and then divide them into smaller, more achievable daily tasks.” Villagomez adds, “Prioritizing tasks is also important. There are many online resources available to help students learn different prioritization methods.”

Villagomez recommends the Pomodoro Technique and similar productivity tools to break down study sessions and utilize “do not disturb” functions on phones and other devices to reduce distractions and increase focus.

Finally, she says, “It’s important for students to prioritize self-care and time management. Schedule regular times for rest and recharge, no matter how small. It’s essential to identify the activities that bring joy and energy and make time for them intentionally throughout your degree program.”

Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?

After decades of technological and pedagogical developments in online learning, and a pandemic that forced nearly all students to pivot to remote classes, most employers have a favorable view of online degrees.

As with traditional degrees, the type of institution you receive your degree from is important to employers. Before enrolling, confirm that the institution you plan to attend is a regionally accredited, non-profit school, whether entirely online or a distance learning component of a brick-and-mortar institution. Not only will this help potential future employers see that your degree is legitimate, but it also means it is more likely to fulfill requirements for any professional credentials you need for your field and that you’ll be able to pursue an advanced degree at an accredited school, if necessary.

In addition to providing you with the career-specific skills and knowledge you’ll need to land a job, online learning can also equip you with in-demand transferable skills. This includes time management, self-motivation, communication, and technological skills, such as using teleconferencing programs and troubleshooting connectivity issues.

Don’t be shy about promoting the aptitudes you gained from online learning on your resume and in job interviews, as these are some of the top transferable skills employers are seeking. The online learning experience can also be beneficial if you’re seeking a fully remote or hybrid job.

How To Prepare for Your Job Search While in School

Getting an early start in the job search process is essential for students focused on finding a job as soon as possible.

If that sounds intimidating, Villagomez reminds students that they don’t have to do it all alone.

“Meet with a career counselor to create an action plan that aligns with your career and academic goals,” she says, adding that having guidance and support helps students stay proactive, informed, and accountable. When researching degree programs, find out what type of career services the school offers online students, including interview preparation, resume and cover letter reviews, skill assessments, social media development, and more.

“Another great way to stand out to future employers is to establish a professional brand and use an online professional networking platform, such as LinkedIn, to showcase your skills and experiences,” Villagomez says. These platforms can also help students network, which is another valuable job-hunting tool, given that an estimated 80% of jobs are filled through personal and professional connections.

Villagomez encourages students to take advantage of hands-on learning experiences, like internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities, to gain transferable skills that will enhance their resumes.