Top Accredited Online Degrees

Our top degree pages for different areas of study have been well-received so we thought it would be helpful to come up with a ranking of top online schools.

We spent many hours of research to find out the best online institutions in the nation. To evaluate them, we looked at the following factors:

• cost
• selection of online degrees
• programmatic accreditation
• special features
• reputation
• academic awards

Also, we made sure to only choose regionally accredited institutions, since regional accreditation offers the most benefits and is the most respected form of accreditation in the workforce and the higher education community.

With each school, we gave some sample degree costs to help you compare tuition rates. The degree costs are estimates and do not include any transfer credits.

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Landscape designers plan public spaces, like parks, gardens, golf courses, and residential communities. Landscape designers work as landscape contractors who combine art and science to blend natural and man made elements to beautify outdoor surroundings. Landscape designers combine knowledge of horticulture and gardening to help parks bloom in cities, design green space for suburban areas, restore wetlands, or combine architecture with trees, flowers, or structures to accent buildings. Future landscape designers must enjoy working with their hands, possess strong analytical skills, have artistic talent, and possess strong oral and written communication skills. Landscape designers must also be technologically savvy to use computer software like CAD, word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheets to develop presentations, proposals, reports, and land impact studies for clients, colleagues, and superiors.

[Click here to receive free information about online degree programs in landscape design]

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Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. HVAC technicians are qualified heating and air-conditioning systems control workers responsible for improving the temperature, humidity, and total air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. HVAC technicians must be mechanically inclined with advanced training in electrical components, electrical systems, and motors, compressors, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats, and switches. HVAC technicians often specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair aspects of HVAC systems.

[Click here to request a free information packet about training options for HVAC Technicians]

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Gunsmiths make, modify, restore, or repair guns according to blueprints or customer specifications. Some gunsmiths work as general practitioners in the field while others work as specialists. Gunsmiths are often hired by hunters, collectors or sellers of firearms and gun owners who need weapons repaired or customized. Gunsmiths may open their own businesses or work for major firearms dealers. Gunsmiths must be fully and lawfully qualified to own firearms. Gunsmiths must love weapons and possess fantastic hand and eye coordination. Gunsmiths must also be detail oriented and follow safety precautions. Gunsmiths also must have great balance, sights, and grip to perform their job sufficiently.

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Social workers are mental health professionals who assist families and children as they encounter serious difficulties or crises. Social workers help adults and children cope with disabilities, aging, serious social issues like sexual assault, drug abuse, domestic violence, or disease and other aspects of living. Social workers also supervise child protective care cases. Social workers often act as liaisons on behalf of individuals or families, to provide access to governmental programs like food stamps, housing assistance, medical expenses, unemployment, and health insurance.

[Click here for free information about online degree programs for Social Work]

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In order to become an accountant, a person must possess an innate appreciation for numbers and be mathematically inclined. A future accountant must be able to think logically, communicate effectively, synthesize and analyze information efficiently, and have strong computer skills. A person also must have a meticulous attention for detail and a proficiency in operating computers and accounting software.

Accountants prepare financial reports, collate information, and calculate figures while adhering to tax laws and analyzing and projecting financial information within an organization or for public record. A growing number of accountants and auditors are required to utilize computer software to meet data management and analytical needs within organizations. Many companies seek accountants who specialize in correcting software problems and develop software to meet data management and analytical needs while developing, implementing, controlling, and auditing computer systems and networks.

[Click here for free information about online degree programs in Accounting]

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Individuals who love working with and training dogs can become dog obedience trainers. Dog obedience trainers interact with canines closely to identify and correct behavior problems as well as train dogs to interact socially with humans and other animals. Future dog trainers must possess compassion for animals and a tremendous amount of patience. Future dog trainers must be sympathetic to animals with a wide range of behavior issues and must possess insight in order to address behavior.

Learning to become a dog obedience trainer can begin while an individual is still in high school. Students can prepare for a future profession as a dog obedience trainer by taking courses in biology, psychology, mathematics, English, and physical education. Volunteering within an animal shelter or private veterinary practice allows individuals “hands on” experiences with animals to perhaps assist in meeting professional goals of becoming a dog trainer. High school students can then go on to advance studies in certificate or college level educational programs.

[Click here for free information about related online degree programs]

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Preparing for a profession as a pet groomer requires a combination of skill, training, and an innate love of animals. Pet groomers bathe, brush, trim, and provide grooming services for dogs and cats. Pet groomers often work long hours in a demanding and sometimes dangerous environment. Individuals who can physically and emotionally meet the demands of a pet grooming job tend to find professional success. Pet groomers must be detail oriented to maintain a safe and cleanly work environment. Pet groomers must possess good communication skills, work well with others, and be self motivated. Pet Groomers must be business oriented to schedule appointments and insightful in order to collect general information regarding a pet’s health or behavior. Pet Groomers must also be able to identify medical issues and refer animals for veterinary care.

[Click here for free information about online programs in Animal Care]

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Dosimetrist (or Radiation Therapy Dosimetrist)

A dosimetrist is a member of a radiation oncology team who specializes in radiation therapy treatment. A dosimetrist is trained in the physics of any radiation treatment. Dosimetrists design radiation therapy for patients suffering from a variety of diseases or disorders, including cancer. Dosimetrists are responsible for calculating and devising complex treatment plans with doctors and medical physicists to assist in treating a patient. In clinical cases of cancer, a dosimetrist carefully determines a dose of radiation to best destroy a tumor/tumors while sparing normal tissues, thereby developing case specific treatment plans customized for each patient.

[Click here for free information about online programs in Radiology]

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Future Diesel Mechanics prepare for careers long before formal training. Diesel mechanics must be detail oriented, hardworking, and motivated. Diesel mechanics must possess an innate mechanical aptitude and strong problem solving skills. Individuals who are electronically inclined to solve operating problems within a wide range of vehicles often fair well in a career as diesel mechanics. Diesel mechanics also must be physically capable of working long hours under many conditions, as well as possess fine hand-eye coordination. Diesel mechanics also must be physically fit to lift heavy objects.

[Click here for free information about online programs in Auto Mechanics]

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