By Amanda Morgan
Obtaining a degree is more accessible now more than ever because it can be done from the comfort of your home, on your own computer. Instead of having to physically attend classes at a university, you can attend college online and receive an online degree upon completion of the coursework. These degrees can provide the same benefits as a traditional college degree, if they are received from an accredited university. Often the class time is flexible so you can attend classes and do the required coursework around your own schedule, such as work or other commitments. Here’s what made our list for the 9 highest paying jobs you can get with an online degree.Â
1)Â IT Manager
One of the highest paying jobs that people can get with an online degree is an IT Manager. In order to become an IT Manager, you must obtain a Bachelor’s degree, which can be earned online through an accredited school. Usually, this position is achieved through working your way up the corporate ladder after starting at a lower level position. Although this may require some time and effort, the time may be worth it since IT Managers make a median salary of $131,600. This is very impressive for a positon that only required a Bachelor’s degree. However, most IT Managers will return to school and get a Master’s degree at some point. Being an IT Manager requires a combination of both leadership skills and technical skills. This job is perfect for people who are hoping to make the most of their online degree while obtaining a job that offers room for growth.
2)Â Human Resources Management
Human Resource Managers, on average, make around $104,440 per year. Typically, you’ll need to spend five or more years in the field after receiving a Bachelor’s degree to get this job. While some companies only require a Bachelor’s degree for this position, others prefer a Master’s degree. Human Resource Managers are responsible for overseeing the recruitment of new employees to the company. They are in charge of interviewing, hiring, orientation, and addressing any issues or concerns. Human Resource Managers often deal with conflicts in the office that deal with human right violations or sexual harassment issues as well. It is important that people interested in this field have strong interpersonal skills since they will be meeting and communicating with people daily, and often end up mediating situations. Some Human Resource Managers focus more on the payroll aspect of a business, while others are focused on staffing. This illustrates a wide range of skills needed for this type of work.
3)Â Software Developer
Another profession which people do well in with online degrees is software development. This career allows people to create highly advanced computer programs. Currently, this field is booming and it is anticipated to continue to grow in the future as technology becomes further incorporated into people’s daily lives. Since this field is projected to grow, it is a great opportunity for people who want to ensure job security in their chosen profession. This career’s median salary averages around $100,690, but can vary greatly depending on a person’s skills and experience. Software developers have a lot of flexibility with their job; some work in teams, while others work alone. Not all software developers work in an office. Many are able to telecommute from home, which gives them even more flexibility in their hours and work schedule.
4)Â Engineering
If creativity, design, and visualization are skills that you posess, Engineering may be the field to pursue after receiving an online degree. Engineering is a broad field which offers a multitude of avenues to explore. From Biomedical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, to Computer Engineering as well as Architectural Engineer, there are a wide range of areas you can focus on. Each type of engineering is vastly different and requires a different set of skills and education. Fortunately, in order to obtain an engineering job, one only needs to get their Bachelor’s degree. After receiving this degree, a person can start to intern and work in the field. Most people find that most of their knowledge about the field comes from working in engineering, not the college course work. This is why it is critical to not only get an online degree and start working in your particular area of engineering as soon as possible. Certain engineering professions also require licensing, which is issued by the state you choose to work in, requires passing an exam, and in some cases, addtional coursework. Engineers make on average $95,000, which allows for a very comfortable lifestyle.
5)Â Nurse Practitioner
A field that is just beginning its growth is Nurse Practitioner. This position is perfect for people interested in the medical field but not wanting to become a doctor. It can be very demanding and challenging; therefore, its not for people who are in it just for the money. If you obtain a degree from an accredited school, you can, however, expect to make around $72,000 to start, and upwards of $100,000 or more with experience, depending on where you work. Nurse Practitioners are often the first people encountered when entering a doctor’s office or hospital. They often set the tone for the rest of the patient’s visit. They can take vitals, get medical records, administer medications, and complete diagnostic testing. This field is anticipated to have a lot of growth in the next few years, making it a great opportunity for those who are interested in medicine.
6)Â Computer Systems Analyst
A Computer Systems Analyst is the perfect career for people who are highly interested in computers and personal interaction. Entry level positions require only a Bachelor’s degree, making it a great profession to pursue if you’ve obtained your online degree. The median salary for a Computer Systems Analyst as of 2016 was $87,220 per year. As one becomes more skilled in this profession, they can expect to see a significant increase in their pay as it corresponds to their advancing skill level. Computer Systems Analysts are responsible for ensuring that the new programs whichcompanies are putting into place will be beneficial to the business and function properly. They are also in charge of fixing old systems and managing a team to regularly check and maintain these systems. This job is critical to any business trying to stay progressive in this age of technology.
7) Business Administration
Business is a very popular field to go into and one of the most sought after degrees. Business Administration is a versatile field which encompasses a wide range of possibilities from small businesses to major corporations. Almost every company is looking for leaders with management skills to help with the organization and success of their business. People with a Bachelor’s degree can become a Business Administrator, but most people go on to pursue Master’s degree in Business to illustrate their commitment to the profession. Business Administrators make around $86,110 per year. This number can vary depending upon the corporation you’re working for, the degree level, and the number of years you work in this field. Often this position is one in which people work their way up to by starting at an entry level positon and moving up by continuously demonstrate their skills and resourcefulness.
8)Â Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts can be thought of as problem solvers who fix data related issues for a variety of different types of companies. Their job is mathematics based and should be pursued by someone who enjoys applying mathematical data to real life applications. Operations Research Analysts are called in by a company when their business has issues determining such things as the most cost efficient way to ship a product or how to organize products and increase overall productivity. Through sophisticated mathematical computer programs, the analyst will determine the best way to solve these problems. Operations Research Analysts should also be comfortable engaging in conversation with a wide range of people, as this job may require them to conduct consumer satisfaction surveys. They also need to be able to communicate within the company they are assisting. Operations Research Analysts earn around $79,200 a year with a Bachelor’s degree.