Other Types of Online Degrees
Depending on where you are in your life and your educational level, the type of degree you might want to earn will vary. There are many different degree options available online, so it’s not hard to find a program that fits where you are right now. Here are the basics of several different online degrees, and what you can expect from them after you graduate.
Online Associate Degrees
Associate degrees take two years to earn and are great for people who are just starting out in the world of higher education. Terminal associate degrees, also called associate of science degrees, are meant to prepare students for the workforce by teaching them the skills for a particular career. Some popular online associate degree programs are in nursing, accounting, and physician assisting.
Other associate degrees are meant to prepare students for continuing their education at a four-year college. These associate of arts degrees can be a less expensive way to begin your bachelor’s degree. (cf.edu)
Online Master’s Degrees
If you already have a four-year degree but want to further your knowledge in a specific area, master’s degrees are a great way to go. These graduate degrees generally take at least two years to earn. While some master’s degrees, like mathematics, will require a requisite background in the subject, other serve as solid introductions to a new area. Master’s in business and master’s in social work are good examples of the latter. Online master’s degrees can help prepare you to apply to more advanced positions in your preferred field. (psu.edu)
Online Law Degrees
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree can be helpful for people in many areas of work. In online law school, which takes at least three years to complete, students learn the principles of the practice of law, the art of argument, and the ethical standards required for practice. When selecting an online program, students must choose a program that is recognized by the committee on bar examiners in the state where they live. Only recognized programs with qualify students to sit for the bar examination and become licensed practicers of law. (calsouthern.edu)
Online Ph.D. Degree Programs
Unfortunately at this time, online education is not well suited to earning a doctoral degree. Doctoral degrees, which generally take four to five years to earn, involve intense research. Ph.D. students benefit from having access to the resources of a physical university, as well as the close mentorship of a faculty advisor. (aacsb.edu)