Many students today especially working adults are enrolling in online degree programs because of the convenience and flexibility that distance learning provides. In typical online programs, classes are not scheduled at set times like traditional classes. Instead, you go through the coursework during your free time. You can schedule your studies around your work and family time. Also, you save time because you don’t have to commute to the campus.

To help you choose an online degree, we researched the top degrees with the best job prospects and salaries. We looked at the data of The Occupational Outlook Handbook by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is an important resource because it has information about job prospects for many occupations. Also, it has salary information and degree requirements for each job.

In our research, we discovered 22 online degrees with good or very good job opportunities. We ranked these degrees by job opportunities, salary, and school admissions.

Click the links below to learn more about the degrees and the jobs they can lead to.

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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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[Click to request more information for online degrees in health administration]

A master’s degree in health administration helps you learn leadership skills and provides thorough training in human resources management, information systems, healthcare economics, population health, financial management, marketing, and communications. You gain the capability to manage and coordinate a medical staff, oversee financial accounts, and strategize the operational direction of medical organizations as the need for healthcare services continues to grow.

Health administration degrees can differ widely among various institutions. Some provide a solid grounding in health care including basic medical training while others may focus more extensively on administrative and business directives.

The curriculum covers the processes and procedures involved in managing a hospital, treatment center, or medical clinic. It is designed to develop essential skills for entering the workforce in vital support and administrative positions.

Job: Medical and Health Services Manager

Medical and health services managers may find work in hospitals, healthcare clinics, medical centers, and doctor’s offices. Like any other business, there is a need for marketing, management, HR, and planning in the medical field, and medical and health services managers provide the business and management direction to various healthcare organizations.

Also known as healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, these business experts are able to restructure medical work for greater efficiency, often sparking technological innovation and a renewed focus on preventive care.

The majority of those working in healthcare administration get their start in assistant administrator positions and are gradually promoted to positions of greater responsibility. Entry-level positions generally require business and management training such as a master’s degree in health administration or equivalent coursework and experience.

[Click to request more information for online degrees in health administration]

[Click to request more information for online degrees in information systems]

A bachelor’s degree in information systems includes courses in systems management and systems development as well as training in some combination of commerce and economics, business management, business law, accounting, marketing, project management, problem solving, human resources management, and organizational behavior.

Students pursuing this bachelor’s degree can develop the skills they need to analyze and resolve problems, improve communications, and implement, create, and manage information systems.

Many degree programs in information systems can be completed entirely online, but some include an in-class or laboratory component to round out the experience. Another option is a co-op or work-study program, which enables students to find temporary job placement in an IT field while studying. A co-op position can serve as a stepping stone to future job opportunities for information systems graduates.

Job: Computer Support Specialist

Computer support specialists provide troubleshooting and technical guidance to people who need assistance with their computers. They may provide this service remotely, over the phone or via email, or by traveling to a client’s location to provide hands-on support or training.

While computer support specialists focus mainly on diagnosing and solving problems, their work also involves setting up systems, installing hardware and software, writing manuals, training users, monitoring business computer usage, and developing IT solutions. They may also install, clean, and repair hardware and software on computers.

There are many paths of entry to the position of computer support specialist, all requiring either a college degree in computer science or equivalent experience and proficiency. A bachelor’s degree in information systems provides a solid foundation in the science and technology of this position.

[Click to request more information for online degrees in information systems]

[Click to request more information for online master's degrees in counseling]

A master’s degree in counseling provides training in psychological theory, psychopathology, counseling methodologies, ethics, and other therapeutic approaches for a variety of populations including families, couples, children, and trauma victims. It may also cover theories of personality, research methodology, and advanced practicum studies based on research and analytics.

This master’s degree prepares you to support clients going through difficult life changes and experiences. You receive practical training and a thorough understanding of the emotional issues human beings have to deal with. In addition, you gain access to personal and professional resources that enable you to draw on behavioral and cognitive modalities from a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches.

The most popular online degree programs in counseling use a hybrid approach with some on-campus classes and labs. This well-rounded training provides you with greater leverage in the job market after graduation.

Job: Counselor

Counselors may find work in schools, vocational or career centers, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals and medical centers, or private offices, providing support and guidance to clients in need of emotional support. Counseling jobs almost always require state licensure, which can only be achieved by earning a master’s degrees.

Often referred to as therapists or psychotherapists, counselors work with clients who are troubled or seeking guidance to help them make positive changes in their thought processes, emotions, and/or behavior.

From couples therapy to substance abuse and mental health, counselors help their patients overcome addictions, trauma, personal disagreements, and self-esteem issues. They look for solutions that enable their clients to improve their circumstances and live more fulfilling and productive lives. Compassion, discretion, and a genuine desire to help others are important traits to have for these workers.

[Click to request more information for online master's degrees in counseling]

[Click to request more information for online master's degrees in library and resource management]

A master’s degree in library science prepares you for employment and advancement in digital information management for the public, nonprofit, or business sectors. There are several concentrations within a library science program, which means you can choose a specific area of interest and select courses that focus on that area. Typical specialties include developing and organizing digital libraries and information access; general library management; archival studies; research and knowledge management; and school and youth services.

The typical curriculum offers courses presenting major principles of library science, societal issues, information management, and research methods. Specialization courses may cover topics like information resources in business or government, multimedia materials production, preservation of archival materials, social media for community outreach, and application of technology for improved online information access. In addition, you can specialize in preparation for working in a particular type of library like a law or engineering library.

Job: Librarian

The primary advantage of earning a master’s degree in library science is increased employment opportunities. Most librarian positions in public, academic, and special libraries require this degree. Also, you have the option of working in settings other than libraries. Librarians are experts in managing information, which makes them eligible for employment in certain businesses and nonprofits. The expansion of career choices for librarians now incorporates jobs in fields like database management and web development.

The master’s degree makes you more likely to be considered for advancement into a management or administrative position. As technology advances in the library field, those who have studied state-of-the-art information architectures will have wider opportunities for employment.

[Click to request more information for online master's degrees in library and resource management]

[Click to request more information for online degrees in construction]

A bachelor’s degrees in construction management gives you knowledge to manage construction projects. The coursework combines a number of topics such as principles of construction and its components including excavation, concrete, electrical, plumbing, and landscaping; construction estimating and bidding; environmental controls and sustainable building practices; and project licensing and government regulations.

The comprehensive nature of construction management means that students working towards this degree can cover a wide variety of topics in their studies. You may study real estate principles, cost control strategies, scheduling, quality control practices, productivity techniques, and legal issues. Also, you can learn about architecture, cost controls, life cycle costing, the application of technology in project work and for cost estimating, communicating with skilled trades, and safety on construction sites. Each one of these areas can impact a construction job.

Job: Cost Estimator

Cost estimators visits construction sites to assess the project location and determine if there are additional expenses needed to complete the project. They may also be required to compare actual costs to bid costs and periodically report cost variances to management. This usually requires regular job site visits throughout the life of the project.

Other tasks include reviewing architectural and engineering drawings to determine project materials needed and identifying other related job expenses like labor, permit fees, and environmental inspection costs. Cost estimators use computerized cost estimating and information tracking programs which may include mobile devices for job site costing, recording change orders, and communicating with the general contractor and subcontractors.

Typical employers for these workers include construction firms, engineering companies, and architectural firms.

[Click to request more information for online degrees in construction]

[Click to request more information for online master's degrees in curriculum and instruction]

Experienced licensed teachers or educators who wish to expand their professional knowledge and train others can earn a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. This graduate level degree enables teachers to provide an enhanced classroom experience through curriculum development and instruct other teachers about effective education techniques.

Course requirements require the completion of two sets of in-depth classes. The first set covers how to develop quality and effective curriculums. The second set goes over instructional methods, materials, and equipment that best deliver the curriculum in the classroom.

Classes cover specific topics like curriculum development for diverse populations; theories of curriculum development; curriculum design for science, reading, and other subjects; using technology in the classroom; and instructional leadership. There are programs that offer specialized training for teaching particular disciplines or children with autism or other special needs.

Job: Instructional Coordinator

The instructional coordinator position involves different duties depending on the structure of the job. You may be responsible for developing curriculum for grades K-12 and finding appropriate educational materials for the classroom. You may be in charge of training other teachers, evaluating them, and assessing and monitoring school programs.

Other duties include serving on committees, matching the curriculum to trends in the job market, reviewing newly developed instructional materials, and evaluating and incorporating technology for the school.

Instructional coordinators may work for a single school or for a school district requiring travel from school to school. Depending on your state, you may need an education administrator license in addition to a master’s degree to qualify for a job.

[Click to request more information for online master's degrees in curriculum and instruction]

[Click to request more information for online degrees in accounting]

An entry level accounting position usually requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Accounting is a specialized major requiring training in standard accounting procedures, tax regulations, laws, and regulations impacting recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

Typical courses include introductory, intermediate, and advanced accounting; cost accounting; nonprofit accounting; taxation; auditing; ethics; international accounting and financial reporting; preparation of financial statements; technology to learn best practices for using computerized accounting software; and business discipline courses including business law and economics.

Students planning on earning the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation after graduation will often attend one or more preparatory courses. A bachelor’s degree in accounting allows you to pursue other certifications including Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst, or Certified Internal Auditor. Your choice of specialization determines which electives you will take while working on your degree.

Jobs: Accountant and Auditor

There are four main areas of accounting: management accounting, public accounting, internal auditing, and government accounting. Licensed accountants also start their own businesses providing bookkeeping, accounting, financial, or investment planning services.

The specific job title will depend on the duties. For example, you may have the title of Forensic Accountant, Cost Accountant, Corporate Accountant, Financial Advisor, Tax Accountant, or Internal Auditor. Accountants maintain financial records including revenue documentation and expense receipts, make entries in accounting systems, prepare financial statements and budgets, advise management on financial matters, audit accounts and records, prepare tax statements, process payroll, and manage healthcare benefits.

Though accountants usually work in an office environment, they are increasingly working from home using computer access to office records. Auditors must visit client sites to inspect records so they are often working in the field.

[Click to request more information for online degrees in accounting]

[Click to request more information for online degrees in environmental science]

A bachelor’s degree in environmental science requires completing a variety of classes designed to develop your knowledge about the environment and teach you how to think creatively and critically about environmental issues. The curriculum promotes problem solving of local and global issues.

Classes address topics like global awareness, technology, environmental policies, fisheries and wildlife, ecology, humans and the environment, business management and the environment, and environmental systems. In addition, you can develop computer skills and familiarity with technology such as the geographic information systems and digital mapping.

Some programs require an internship that is hands on, observational, or research based. It is also possible to specialize by completing a set of designated classes in areas like resource management, conservation, business management, pollution abatement, and ecosystem restoration and management.

Job: Environmental Scientist and Specialist

Environmental scientists and specialists work for government agencies responsible for managing the environment. They also work for private organizations that must regularly comply with environmental regulations. Their work may be entirely completed in an office environment using computers for researching, analyzing, and monitoring environment issues as well as designing environmental systems; or it may also require field work using special devices.

The tasks that environmental scientist and specialists perform can vary significantly. It includes writing risk assessments of the environment due to construction or planned changes, assessing environmental damage as a result of natural occurrences and designing restoration programs, monitoring pollution and developing governmental policies, and writing technical proposals for public or private entities.

Environmental science is a growing field that offers job opportunities due to population growth and the increasing numbers of environmental hazards and regulations.

[Click to request more information for online degrees in environmental science]