Different Types of Online College Degrees

In this day and age where a degree is necessary for a great job and salary, earning it could never be easier. An online college degree is one of the most flexible options on the market due to its convenience, affordability, flexibility, and comprehensive curriculum. There are many levels of degrees you can earn through an online university, ranging from a certificate to a Ph.D.

Certificate

A certificate is awarded to a person who has completed between one month and one year of specialized training in a specific field. While a certificate alone can, in some cases, land you a job, it’s most useful when it’s a companion to another higher degree. A certificate can be earned in almost any field of work, from healthcare to business.

Associates

An associate degree is awarded after completing two years of academic work at a university. An associate’s degree is great for many support jobs, such as medical and dental assisting. Many people first get an associate’s degree, work for a few years, and then go back to school for a bachelor’s degree after seeing firsthand what their field is like. This is also a great opportunity to see if and where another round of higher education can benefit them.

Bachelor’s degrees

A bachelor’s degree is awarded after the completion of four years of academic work, although it may be awarded after two years if the student has an associate’s degree and credits that are transferable. Some bachelor’s programs, such as engineering, require five years before a student earns a college degree. A bachelor’s degree has become the common requirement for most entry-level jobs in the workforce.

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A master’s degree is awarded to students who have spent up to six additional years of study in an extremely specialized field, such as medicine or law. It is usually considered a postgraduate degree, although in some cases it can be obtained at the undergraduate level concurrently with a bachelor’s degree, although this will take longer than the typical four years of undergraduate study. To apply for a master’s program, even at online universities, the applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or a certain number of related work experiences. A master’s degree significantly increases lifetime salary compared to just a bachelor’s degree.

Doctor

A Ph.D. is one of the highest academic degrees offered at both online and traditional universities. Doctorates are traditionally earned so that the student can become a teaching expert in that field. While this is still true, there are many Ph.D.s who are leading researchers in many fields. A Ph.D. is usually earned after seven years and is usually funded by private organizations, state or federal grants, and fellowships.

All of these degree levels can be achieved through an online university as well as a physical institution. Increasingly, more and more people are earning these degrees online as a way to push them further into the workforce in their field. Busy lifestyles, work schedules, and location often don’t leave much room to attend a regular class. For those in these categories, earning a college degree online is the perfect solution.