Earning a master’s degree online can lead to a rewarding career with great opportunities, financial abundance and endless growth potential. In fact, many college students are choosing to take online classes due to the added convenience and flexibility of learning online. In 2018, nearly 34 percent of all college students took at least one online course.
Is an online master’s degree worth it?
An online master’s degree is easier and more accessible than ever before to achieve. Online master’s programs offer students the convenience of completing their degree online without compromising the quality of education expected from a traditional college program.
In fact, your goal of going back to college to finish your master’s degree can happen 100 percent online.
You’ll want to choose the right program for the most return on your investment. If you’re going back to college to finish your master’s degree for a monetary return, then it’s important to do your research to evaluate the cost versus benefit as well as the job outlook and pay of each program.
What are the best online master’s programs?
Choosing the right online master’s degree is important to advance your career. Whether you’re looking to earn your MBA or master in science, here are just some of the options and career outlook insights for furthering your education and career.
1. IO Psychology Master’s
Numerous opportunities exist to grow within the field of psychology, and an industrial/organizational psychology master’s degree can give you the knowledge and skills you need to work in a specialized field.
An IO psychology master’s degree prepares you to join the HR or operations department of a corporation or organization. As an IO psychologist, you can expect to make a median annual wage of $92,880 with a job growth rate of 3 percent over the next decade.
An online IO psychology program can prepare you to start working in the field in just two years.
2. Master of Nursing MSN
A master of science in nursing (MSN) prepares you for an exciting and enriching career in the advanced nursing field. According to U.S. News & World Report, more than 221,900 new jobs will become available in nursing by 2029.
The healthcare industry continues to expand, and specialty nurses are in even greater demand than your average healthcare professional.
3. Nursing Administration MSN
A nursing administration MSN prepares you for administrative and management roles in nursing, with a job growth outlook for nurse administrators projected to increase by 18 percent over the next decade. Typically, a nurse administrator makes a median annual salary of $99,730.
The good part about going back to school for your nursing master’s is the option to finish your nursing administration MSN online.
4. Nursing Education MSN
Teaching other nurses and offering guidance is a fine job with many rewards. If you’re interested in a nursing education MSN, then you’ll be happy to know that the job outlook for all types of specialty nurses is expected to increase by 18 percent with the same average salary of $99,730 in the next 10 years.
Take a look at the details if you’re still deciding between online nursing MSNs, and find out if an online nursing education MSN is the best choice for your career goals.
5. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Whether you’re looking to earn a general Master of Business Administration or a specialized MBA, many options exist to match your perfect career opportunity. An MBA degree offers an excellent return on investment, with MBA graduates earning 80 percent higher salary upon graduation compared to non-MBA graduates.
A number of business degrees and specializations should be considered when choosing an online MBA program, including whether you would like to focus your efforts in business, finance, “healthcare” or information technology.
6. Accounting MBA
An online accounting MBA opens up opportunities to become a certified public accountant (CPA) after completing your degree and passing the necessary certification test. As an accountant or financial manager, you can expect to earn a median yearly income of $129,890 with an expected job growth outlook of 15 percent in the next 10 years.
7. Business Intelligence MBA
An online business intelligence MBA combines analytical and management skills to improve the use of technology in business practices and processes. As a business intelligence manager, you can expect to receive a median yearly salary of $146,360 with an expected job growth outlook of 10 percent over the next decade.
8. Finance MBA
An online finance MBA allows you to take on a management role for a financial institution or within the finance department of an organization. As a finance manager, you can expect a median yearly salary of $129,890 and a projected job growth outlook of 15 percent in the coming 10 years.
9. Healthcare Management MBA
If you’re interested in the business side of healthcare, then an online healthcare MBA can help you succeed in an administrative role. As a healthcare manager, you can expect a median annual salary of $100,980 with a projected job growth of 18 percent in the next decade.
10. HR Management MBA
Specializing in human resources with an online HR management MBA will allow you to direct your focus to the operations side of running a business. As an HR manager, you can expect a median yearly salary of $116,720 and a job growth rate of 7 percent in the next 10 years.
11. Information Systems MBA
With an online information systems MBA, you’ll focus your business administration track on an overlap of business and information technology skills. As an information technology manager at an organization, you can expect a median yearly salary of $146,360 with a projected job growth of 10 percent in 10 years.
12. Leadership Studies MBA
Take on an executive role in a company with an online leadership studies MBA. A leadership program is designed to give you the skills you need in management at a business, and you can expect to receive a median salary of $96,940 per year with a job growth rate of 7 percent in the coming decade.
Next Steps
An online master’s degree offers many great benefits and opportunities for students looking to advance their career in an exciting field with amazing growth potential. If earning your master’s degree online is the right fit for you, it’s worth considering the next steps.
Discover the many options available to earn your online master’s degree at Baker College in Michigan. Request more information or speak to an admissions counselor to kick-start your career today.
