Until the latter part of the 20th century, the only way to get a college degree was to pack up your things, move to campus, and study your chosen field for four years or more. Advances in technology have changed that and now you can obtain a degree from home through a variety of online degree programs at many different colleges and universities. There are so many advantages to this path that more and more students are considering this alternative rather than the traditional route.

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When choosing a degree, you want to be thinking about the best degrees for the future rather than the best degrees for the present. It’s a subtle, but important, distinction. You shouldn’t put a lot of stock at how relevant a career path is in the present time, because it may take you half a decade or more to complete the degree and the job marketplace will change during that time. Instead, think long term. Take into account how relevant a career path is at least 10 years down the road, if not more.

Special Report: The 51 Most Useful Degrees For The Current & Future Economy

Every path is influenced by a fluctuating marketplace where the rules of supply and demand apply. Everything related to making a living and working a job boils down to the needs and wants of consumers for certain goods and services.

Questions to think about include:

• What services or products are going to be needed in the future? What industries provide these services and products?
• What jobs will open up to meet the needs for these services and products?
• Are those jobs going to be saturated by a willing and able workforce?
• And what training/degrees are required to obtain these jobs?

This article examines these questions and provides seven degrees that have a great job outlook in the future.

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They are amongst the most trusted and respected members of society. The relationship between doctor and patient is an ancient, almost sacred bond, and the knowledge that a medical professional possesses comes from years of study and experience on the job. Sadly, and perhaps inevitably, though, some phony individuals have seen fit to abuse this trust and pass themselves off as the genuine article through the use of fraudulent medical degrees.

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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.

We included sample degree costs to help you compare tuition rates. The degree costs are estimates based on tuition prices compiled in 2010. The costs 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.

[Browse our list of online gunsmithing programs.]

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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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